Orthopedic oncology is a specialized field of orthopedics and traumatology that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of benign and malignant tumors developing in bone and soft tissues.
Bone tumors, soft tissue sarcomas, bone metastases, and pathological fractures due to tumors are the main diseases evaluated within this field.
The fundamental approach in orthopedic oncology is the correct identification of the disease, the performance of necessary examinations, and the evaluation of treatment options appropriate to the patient's clinical characteristics.
What Diseases Does Orthopedic Oncology Deal With?
Bone Tumors
Bone tumors are benign or malignant formations that develop in bone tissue. While some bone tumors are detected without any symptoms, others can cause pain, swelling, limited movement, or decreased bone strength.
Osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, and chondrosarcoma are among the malignant bone tumors. Osteochondroma, enchondroma, and giant cell bone tumor are other bone tumors that exhibit different biological characteristics.
In the evaluation of these diseases, the type of tumor, its location, size, and its relationship with surrounding tissues are important.
Soft Tissue Tumors and Sarcomas
Soft tissue tumors are formations that can originate from muscle, fat, connective tissue, nerve sheath, and other supporting tissues.
While lipomas and some nerve sheath tumors are benign, diseases such as liposarcoma, synovial sarcoma, and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma are among malignant soft tissue tumors.
Sarcomas are rare types of cancer that can originate from bone or soft tissues. The clinical characteristics and treatment approaches of these tumors differ according to their histological types.
Detailed evaluation of soft tissue masses that are growing, deeply located, or causing pain is particularly important.
Bone Metastases
Bone metastases occur when cancer that develops in another organ spreads to the bone tissue.
Bone metastases can be seen in breast, prostate, lung, kidney, and thyroid cancers. These lesions can cause bone pain, limited mobility, and in some cases, pathological fractures.
In the treatment of bone metastases, the source of the disease, its extent, bone integrity, and the patient's general health status are evaluated together.
Diagnostic Process in Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors
Orthopedic oncology evaluation begins with an examination of the patient's complaints and medical history.
Based on physical examination findings, imaging methods such as X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), or ultrasonography may be used.
Imaging results provide important information about the tumor's location, size, and relationship with surrounding tissues.
In cases where the diagnosis cannot be confirmed or a malignant tumor is suspected, biopsy and pathological examination may be necessary.
Especially in cases of suspected sarcoma, it is important to plan the biopsy considering subsequent surgical treatment options.
Treatment Approaches in Orthopedic Oncology
Treatment for bone and soft tissue tumors is determined according to the characteristics of the disease and the patient's clinical condition.
While regular follow-up may be sufficient for some benign and asymptomatic lesions, surgical treatment may be necessary for certain tumors.
Surgical treatment may include methods such as tumor removal, bone reconstruction, tumor prostheses, or limb-sparing surgery.
In malignant tumors, chemotherapy or radiotherapy may be required in addition to surgical treatment, depending on the type of disease.
Diagnosis and treatment processes are planned in collaboration with orthopedics and traumatology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, radiology, and pathology specialists when necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which department treats bone cancer?
The field of orthopedic oncology within orthopedics and traumatology plays a significant role in the evaluation of malignant tumors originating from bone. Depending on the type of disease, evaluation by medical oncology, radiation oncology, and other specialties may also be necessary.
Which department should you go to for a mass in the leg or hip?
Masses that appear in the leg or hip can be caused by different reasons. Masses related to bone, muscle, or other deep soft tissues, in particular, can be evaluated within the scope of orthopedics and traumatology. The necessary specialty is determined according to the location and clinical characteristics of the mass.
Is surgery necessary for every bone tumor?
No. Regular follow-up may be sufficient for some benign bone tumors. The need for surgery is determined according to the type of tumor, its size, location, its effect on bone structure, and the patient's complaints.
Are sarcoma and bone metastasis the same disease?
No. Sarcomas are malignant tumors that can originate from bone or soft tissues. Bone metastases, on the other hand, occur when cancer that starts in another organ spreads to bone tissue. The diagnostic and treatment approaches for these diseases differ.
Follow-up Process in Orthopedic Oncology
Follow-up for bone and soft tissue tumors is planned according to the type of disease and the treatment applied.
During regular check-ups, the patient's clinical condition, movement functions, bone integrity, and, when necessary, radiological imaging results are evaluated.
Especially in malignant tumors or tumors with a risk of recurrence, the evaluation of possible recurrence and distant metastasis is an important part of the follow-up process.
Each patient's diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up plan is determined according to their individual clinical characteristics.