[Biopsy of musculoskeletal tumors : Complications and avoidable errors]

Biopsy followed by histopathological assessment is the key procedure to establish the correct diagnosis of unclear bone or soft tissue tumors. There are several possibilities to obtain a biopsy specimen. The indication for biopsy should be established in a specialized center, as should the type of biopsy (fine needle, incisional, excisional, percutaneous CT-guided/navigated biopsy), which must be performed according to established guidelines. The tumor biopsy must be representative and adequate in terms of quantity, to enable a conclusive histopathological diagnosis and planning of appropriate treatment. For the correct biopsy tract, the surgical approach for definitive resection must be considered; thus, biopsy should be conducted in the center where the subsequent resection will be performed. Of note, patients whose biopsy is performed at a specialized musculoskeletal tumor center benefit in terms of improved local tumor control.