Pediatric orthopedic oncologists diagnose and treat tumors of the musculoskeletal system, which includes bones and soft tissues. Orthopedic oncology specialists focus on conditions such as:
- Bone sarcomas (cancer of the bone)
- Bone tumor in leg
- Lump on child’s shin bone
- Soft tissue sarcomas (cancer that arises in the body’s connective tissues, which includes fat, muscle and nerves)
- Metastatic bone disease (cancer that begins in another part of the body and then spreads to the bone)
- Benign bone tumors and cysts
Benign tumors are common, but there are also tumors in the musculoskeletal system that need to be distinguished to identify whether they are benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Symptoms
Symptoms tend to vary from one condition to another. The benign bone tumors might not give you any such perceptible symptoms, such as neurofibroma, lymphoma, schwannoma, giant cell tumor, Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis (PVNS). On the other hand, bone pain may occur in case of malignant condition. Metastatic bone disease is usually painful and soft tissue bone sarcoma is usually pain-free.
Check out some symptoms of benign or cancerous bone tumors as follows:
- Fatigue
- Unintended weight loss
- Dull ache in the affected bone
- Swelling, tenderness or lumps near the site of pain
- Weakened bone, leading to fracture with minor injury
In several cases, orthopedic oncology specialists keep monitoring benign tumors to see if they are not causing any symptoms. Many often surgical excisions can cure these conditions. Patients with bone sarcomas and bone cancers need a typical combination of therapies. The pediatric orthopedic oncology therapy options are like surgery to remove the tumor, as well as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Surgeries are carried out for small excisions of masses or large bone resections that require reconstruction with implants.
Concerned about your child’s development?
Book an assessment and take the first step towards the right care for your child.
