Effects of musculoskeletal neoplasms on patient self assessment of health status.

Eighty-five consecutive patients referred to the Musculoskeletal Tumor Service completed a standardized short form questionnaire to evaluate their health status and function. Each patient completing the Short Form-36 questionnaire had a diagnosis of musculoskeletal neoplasm, including benign soft tissue and bone tumors, malignant soft tissue and bone tumors, and metastatic tumors. The results of this preliminary study show that the authors' patient population experienced health status and functional deficits in each of the eight Short Form-36 assessed domains. Data show that the most severe deficits were experienced by patients who had diagnoses of bone tumors and malignant tumors. This study shows that the Short Form-36 is a practical and effective method for documenting perceived deficits in health status in patients with musculoskeletal tumors. These data allow the physician to understand the presenting condition from the patient's perspective. This is an important and often neglected aspect of the overall assessment of the health of patient on presentation. An understanding of these deficits is critical for effective planning of treatment and evaluation of treatment effectiveness.