Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) require accurate biopsy for diagnosis, grading, and management decisions. Although tru-cut biopsy is widely used, the optimal needle gauge remains uncertain. This study aimed to compare diagnostic accuracy and biopsy concordance rates of 14 G, 16 G, and 18 G tru-cut biopsy needles for extremity STS.
1. Is there any difference between the diagnostic accuracy measurements of 14G, 16G and 18G tru-cut biopsy needles for diagnosis of soft tissue sarcomas in extremities?
2. Do tumor size, tumor depth, tumor subtype and histological grade of the tumor affect the "matching score"s of biopsies?
3. Do tumor size, tumor depth, tumor subtype and histological grade of the tumor affect the biopsy result concordance and/or diagnostic accuracy measurements?
4. Does needle gauge effect successful tumoral tissue sampling or prediction of histological grade of soft tissue sarcomas?
Who can participate
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Patients presenting to the Orthopedic Oncology outpatient clinic at Ankara Bilkent City Hospital with suspected or preliminary findings on physical examination suggesting soft tissue sarcoma.
Patients presenting to the Orthopedic Oncology outpatient clinic at Ankara Bilkent City Hospital with suspected or preliminary findings on radiological imaging suggesting soft tissue sarcoma.
Patients with soft tissue masses in extremities which require pathological examination
Exclusion Criteria:
* Patients with a prior diagnosis of the existing mass, coagulation disorders, active infection at the tumor site, a history of previous surgery or radiotherapy to the tumor region, medical conditions contraindicating tru-cut biopsy, or those who did not consent to participate after detailed explanation of the study, were excluded.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Diagnostic accuracy methods
Timeframe: From enrollment to the end of study at 4 months