Orthopaedic Oncology

Orthopaedic Oncology is a specialised field of medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating both benign and malignant tumours of the musculoskeletal system. Bone tumours, including osteosarcoma, can be particularly challenging to treat and require the expertise of a skilled orthopaedic oncologist. Osteosarcoma is one of the most common types of bone cancer, and its incidence varies across different regions, including India. As the number of bone cancer cases continues to rise, the demand for well-trained orthopaedic oncologists providing optimal care is increasing.

Types

Osteosarcoma
This cancer develops in connective tissues and affects muscles, fat, tendons, cartilage, nerves, bones, and blood vessels. It can occur in both children and adults, typically forming in knee joints.

Ewing Sarcoma
A rare and aggressive tumour that develops in bones or soft tissues of the legs, arms, ribs, spine, and pelvis.

Chondrosarcoma
A rare cancer affecting adults, it develops in the cartilage, the connective tissue from where bones develop.

Chordoma
A slow-growing cancer that can occur anywhere along the spine, usually diagnosed at the tailbone or at the top of the spine.

Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma
A rare type of bone cancer, commonly found in the knee joints of adults.

Fibrosarcoma
A soft tissue sarcoma that affects the thigh bone, often diagnosed in middle-aged individuals.

Sarcoma of Paget’s Disease of Bone
More common in the elderly, this cancer presents as an overgrowth of bony tissues in the skull region and can, in rare cases, develop into osteosarcoma.

Management of Orthopaedic Cancers

The management of orthopaedic cancers requires a multidisciplinary approach. At Gemcare Cancer Institute, we focus on providing patient-centric, personalised, and value-based care. We use advanced diagnostic and treatment approaches to ensure our patients receive the best care possible.

Diagnosis of Orthopaedic Cancers

A variety of tests are available to diagnose orthopaedic cancers:

• Imaging Tests
  These procedures generate detailed images of the bones, with common tests including X-rays, MRIs, and PET-CT scans.
• Surgical or Needle Biopsies
  These involve removing a tissue sample for laboratory analysis to detect the presence of cancer cells.
• Blood Tests
  Blood tests can help diagnose orthopaedic cancers by identifying cancer markers in the body.
• Bone Scan
  A medical imaging test that uses radioactive materials to create images of bones, helping detect cancerous or abnormal areas.

Treatment for Orthopaedic Cancers

Bone cancers can affect individuals of all age groups. Early diagnosis plays a pivotal role in achieving a positive outcome, as with all tumours. The following are the different treatment options available for orthopaedic cancers:

• Surgery
  The main goal of surgery is the removal of cancerous cells. In some cases, depending on the severity, amputation may be recommended, followed by reconstructive surgery.
• Reconstructive Surgery
  This procedure is performed to restore the normal function and appearance of the affected limb after the removal of the cancerous part.
• Cryosurgery
  A minimally invasive procedure that involves freezing the cancerous cells with liquid nitrogen, destroying them in the process.
• Radiofrequency Ablation
  This minimally invasive procedure uses high-frequency electrical currents to heat and destroy cancerous cells.
• Limb-salvage Surgery
  This procedure involves removing the cancerous part of the bone while preserving the surrounding muscles, tendons, and nerves.
• Amputation
  In severe cases where limb-salvage surgery is not feasible, amputation may be recommended to remove the cancerous part.