How is biopsy of primitive bone tumors?

➢ Biopsies are preferably surgical (in non-hematopoietic primary bone tumor) because these tumors are often heterogeneous. ➢ The biopsy must be done in a specialized center because they are rare tumors requiring a multidisciplinary team work (radiologists, surgeons and pathologists). ➢ The biopsy should preferably be done by the surgeon who will then take charge of the patient for any subsequent surgical treatment. ➢ The biopsy area must be removed with the primary bone tumor in case of malignancy ➢ Morphology is to be interpreted according to the clinic (age ++, history, pre-existing bone lesion) and imaging +++. Ex: a fracture callus may be morphologically similar to a high grade osteosarcoma on a biopsy. In the absence of clinical and imaging information, the pathologist may miss the right diagnosis.