Orthopedic oncology examination provides information about the evaluation of bone and soft tissue tumors, imaging, biopsy, and treatment planning processes.
Orthopedic oncology examination is a clinical review that includes the evaluation of the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up processes of benign or malignant tumors developing in bone and soft tissues. This evaluation includes a detailed examination of the patient's complaints, a physical examination, and the interpretation of necessary radiological examinations.
Bone pain, palpable masses, swelling, limited range of motion, or unexplained bone lesions are the main conditions that can be evaluated within the scope of orthopedic oncology.
During the examination process, not only the current complaints but also the patient's previous illnesses, treatments applied, and previous imaging results, if any, are taken into consideration.
Clinical Examination and Diagnostic Evaluation
In orthopedic oncology examinations, the patient's medical history and current complaints are evaluated first. During the physical examination, pain, tenderness, swelling, joint movements in the affected area, and, if necessary, nerve and vascular functions are examined.
In cases of suspected bone tumors, the first imaging method is usually X-ray. Depending on the characteristics of the lesion, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), or other imaging methods may be used.
In soft tissue masses, ultrasonography and MRI examinations can be used to evaluate the structure of the mass and its relationship with surrounding tissues.
In cases where imaging findings are insufficient for diagnosis or where a malignant tumor is suspected, biopsy and pathological examination may be planned. However, biopsy is not necessary for every bone or soft tissue lesion.
Treatment Planning and Follow-up
The approach to be followed as a result of the orthopedic oncology evaluation is determined according to the type, size, location of the lesion, imaging characteristics, and the patient's clinical condition.
In some lesions that show benign characteristics and do not cause any complaints, regular clinical and radiological follow-up may be sufficient.
In cases requiring surgical treatment, surgical methods appropriate to the characteristics of the tumor are evaluated. In patients with suspected or confirmed malignant tumors, multidisciplinary treatment planning is carried out with the participation of relevant specialties when deemed necessary.
In patients who have previously been treated for bone or soft tissue tumors, the possibility of recurrence and the results of the applied treatment are also evaluated within the scope of follow-up.
The examination, diagnosis, and follow-up process is planned individually according to the clinical characteristics of each patient.