Examination of the patient with a musculoskeletal tumour differs a little from a routine examination of a limb. The aim is to look for findings which support your diagnosis.
When examining a mass, you should consider the following:
- site
- size
- depth (superficial to deep fascia or involving/deep to it)
- shape and surfaces
- fluctuance
- pulsatility
- tethering of overlying skin
- draining lymph nodes
Associated features might include:
- lymphoedema
- involvement of neurovascular structures
- signs of malignancy elsewhere (eg abdominal masses)
- involvement of an adjacent joint
- other masses elsewhere (eg hereditary multiple exostoses)
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