Introducing the Soft Tissue Sarcoma Diagnostic Team (STSDU)

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What is this information about?

This information tells you about the Soft Tissue Sarcoma Diagnostic Team, who are looking after you. It tells you about the different investigations that the team may decide that you need; getting the results of these investigations; how the team will communicate with you; and contact details if you need to speak to someone. 

Why have I been given this information?

You have been given this information because you have a lump that is being investigated, and it may help you to know more about the team taking care of you.  

This might be a worrying time for you, but if there is anything that you do not understand please do not be afraid to ask.  

Keep this information in a safe place in case you need to contact the team: you will find email addresses and phone numbers at the end.

Who are the Soft Tissue Sarcoma Diagnostic Team?

The Soft Tissue Sarcoma Diagnostic Team are a multidisciplinary team (also called the MDT) for the Soft Tissue Sarcoma Diagnostic Unit. Multidisciplinary means made up of different professionals who are expert in different things. 

We are the team who will be supporting you while you have investigations on the lump.  

We are based at Royal Sussex County Hospital (RSCH) in Brighton and cover: 

• Princess Royal Hospital (PRH) 
• Eastbourne General Hospital (EDGH) 
• Worthing Hospital (WSHT) 
• St Richard’s Hospital (SRH).

The team is made up of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals, who have specialist training and experience in the diagnosis, care and treatment of people being investigated with suspected sarcoma and other soft tissue lesions and tumours. The team includes:

• Musculoskeletal Radiologists (MSK), who are specialists in the diagnosis of soft tissue lumps and bumps. 
• A Clinical Nurse Specialist (also called a CNS)  
• A Patient Navigator/Support Worker (the first point of contact for any questions you may have) 
• Pathway Co-Ordinator (manages each patient’s pathway, from referral to STSDU to getting a diagnosis)

We meet weekly to discuss all individual patients’ treatments and care at a Multi Disciplinary Team (MDT) meeting. You will be updated by letter, phone or email. 

We have listed below some of the people that are in the team caring for you:

How does the team support my care?

We work closely together to plan and deliver the most effective investigations, treatment and support for each person. We always involve you and your family in these plans, at every stage. We are all here to help.

What investigations (tests) might I be offered?

If you need investigations these will be arranged with you by phone, email or letter. This can take up to two weeks. Please note, you will not get a face-to-face appointment when you attend these. 

You may need one of the following: 

• Ultrasound scan 
• MRI scan 
• Ultrasound guided biopsy 
• CT scan 
• PET scan 

Information about each investigation will be sent to you with the appointment information. 

If you have any questions or concerns about these investigations, please contact either:  

• the department arranging the investigation. You will find their contact details on your appointment letter, or,  
• the Soft Tissue Diagnostic and Sarcoma CNS Team. Their contact details are below.

How long will it take to get the results of these investigations?

The results of each investigation are usually ready in two weeks. It can sometimes take longer if the results are inconclusive. 

We might need to ask for the opinion of another team. If we need to do this, we will tell you.  This means that results can take another two to three weeks, or sometimes longer.

What happens after I have the investigation?

Sometimes you will need more than one investigation. This is decided after carefully reviewing your case in the Multidisciplinary Team Meeting (MDT) once the results of each test are ready.  

You will get an update by letter, phone or email after each review.  

You may also get invited to attend an appointment with the team’s Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). 

Sometimes after your investigations, you may get an appointment to see another specialist at the hospital.

Will the STSDU team keep my GP informed?

Yes. Your GP will get a copy of any letters from the STSDU Team.

How will the STSDU team contact me?

We try to send letters by email because it is quicker and avoids delays. If we know your email address, we will use this unless you tell us not to.  

If you receive this information via the post, please contact the enquiries or CNS Team if you have an email address and are happy for us to use it.

Who can I contact for further information and advice?