Taking a history from a patient with a suspected bone or soft tissue tumour requires a different emphasis from the rest of orthopaedics. Particular features to note include:
- Length of history (is this a preexisting mass that has changed?)
- Rate of growth
- Pain history (site, character, severity, radiation, modifying factors, periodicity – is there mechanical or night pain?)
- Previous surgery at the site of interest (ie is this a local recurrence?)
- History of malignancy (could this be a metastasis?)
- History of a predisposing condition (eg Hereditary Multiple Exostoses)
- Previous radiotherapy
- Family history (think inherited disorders like Li Fraumeni syndrome)
- Symptoms suggestive of malignancy (eg weight loss, lethargy)