Tumour Surgery
Orthopaedic Tumour Surgery
Bone and soft-tissue tumours can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Both require careful evaluation — an accurate diagnosis guides treatment decisions and helps determine prognosis.
Symptoms
Symptoms That May Indicate a Tumour
- A lump or mass that is growing
- Pain that worsens at night or does not improve with rest
- Pain not related to injury or activity, or swelling without obvious cause
- A fracture that occurs with minimal trauma (pathological fracture)
- Unexplained weight loss with bone pain, fatigue, or feeling unwell
Many bone lesions found on imaging are benign — but any unexplained bone pain or mass should be evaluated to rule out serious conditions.
How We Work
A Multidisciplinary Approach
Musculoskeletal tumours are evaluated and treated by a team. Care is coordinated with oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists so that diagnosis, staging, and treatment work together.
This coordination is especially important before any biopsy or surgery — a well-planned pathway protects your future treatment options.
Classification
Types of Musculoskeletal Tumours
Benign Bone Tumours
Non-cancerous growths such as osteochondromas, enchondromas, giant cell tumours, and bone cysts. Many are found incidentally.
Primary Bone Cancers
Cancers originating in bone — osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, and Ewing sarcoma. Rare, but require prompt treatment.
Soft-Tissue Sarcomas
Cancers arising in muscle, fat, nerves, or blood vessels. Can occur anywhere in the body.
Metastatic Bone Disease
Cancer spread to bone from elsewhere (breast, prostate, lung, kidney, thyroid). The most common bone malignancy in adults.
Diagnosis
The Diagnostic Process
01
Imaging
X-rays show bone structure; MRI shows soft-tissue detail; CT aids biopsy planning; bone or PET scans assess spread.
02
Biopsy
A tissue sample is examined under a microscope. Proper technique is critical — a poorly planned biopsy can complicate future surgery.
03
Staging
For malignant tumours, staging determines the extent of disease and guides treatment planning.
Management
Non-Surgical Management
- Observation — many benign tumours need no treatment and are monitored with periodic imaging.
- Chemotherapy — used before or after surgery for certain cancers (osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma).
- Radiation therapy — for tumours that cannot be fully removed, or to shrink a tumour before surgery.
- Medical management — bisphosphonates or other medications to strengthen bone affected by metastatic disease.
When Needed
When Surgery Is Recommended
Surgery is recommended for benign tumours causing pain or fracture risk, malignant tumours that can be removed, pathological fractures needing stabilisation, or when an excisional biopsy is required.
- Curettage — scraping out a benign tumour.
- Wide excision — removing the tumour with a margin of normal tissue.
- Limb salvage — removing the tumour while preserving the limb, with reconstruction by graft, implant, or prosthesis.
- Amputation — in rare cases when limb salvage is not possible.
Why Early Matters
Many bone lesions are benign —
but early, accurate evaluation protects your options.
Red Flags
Seek Emergency Care
See a doctor promptly if you notice:
- A mass or lump that is enlarging
- Bone pain that is worse at night and does not respond to usual treatments
- A fracture that occurred with minimal force
- Unexplained weight loss with musculoskeletal symptoms
- A known cancer history with new bone or soft-tissue symptoms
Early evaluation is important — delays can affect treatment options and outcomes.
Get Started
Referred for a Bone or Soft-Tissue Lesion?
Call +966 50 580 8852 to schedule an evaluation. Please bring all imaging and reports to your appointment.
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Our Services
The full range of orthopaedic care — spine, joints, trauma, sports, and more.