Tumour
Dr Matthew Broadhead has a subspecialty interest and training in treating bone and soft tissue tumours. Dr Broadhead is a member of the Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcoma Unit at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and works with a team of other specialists to establish the correct diagnosis and best treatment options for bone and soft tissue tumours.
How does an orthopaedic surgeon assess bone or soft tissue tumours?
Orthopedic surgeons typically use a combination of physical examination, imaging tests, and biopsy to assess bone or soft tissue tumours.
During the physical examination, Dr Broadhead will examine the affected area and look for any signs of swelling, tenderness, or deformity. Dr Broadhead will also ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any previous injuries or surgeries you have had.
Imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs can help Dr Broadhead get a detailed view of the tumour and its location within the body. These tests can also help Dr Broadhead determine the size and shape of the tumour and whether it has spread to other parts of the body.
A biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of tissue is taken from the tumour and examined under a microscope. A biopsy is usually the only way to definitively diagnose whether a tumour is benign or malignant. The biopsy may be performed using a needle or during surgery. After assessing the tumour, Dr Broadhead will work with a team of other specialists to determine the best course of treatment
Why are imaging studies important in assessing bone and soft tissue tumours?
Imaging studies, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, are important tools for assessing bone and soft tissue tumours because they can provide detailed images of the tumour and its location within the body. These images can help Dr Broadhead determine the size, shape, and location of the tumour, as well as whether it has spread to other parts of the body. In addition, imaging studies can help the specialist team plan the most appropriate treatment for the tumour, such as surgery or radiation therapy.
Why is a biopsy important in assessing bone and soft tissue tumours?
A biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of tissue is taken from the tumour and examined under a microscope. A biopsy is usually the only way to definitively diagnose whether a tumour is benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). In the case of bone and soft tissue tumours, a biopsy is important because it can help the specialist team determine the type of tumour and the best course of treatment.
Different types of tumours may require different treatments, so it is important to accurately diagnose the type of tumour in order to develop an appropriate treatment plan. A biopsy may be performed using a needle or during surgery, depending on the location and size of the tumour. The sample of tissue is then examined by a pathologist, who looks for specific characteristics of the tumour cells to determine their type and grade (how aggressive the tumour is).
How are bone and soft tissue tumours treated?
The treatment of bone and soft tissue tumours depends on a number of factors, including the type and stage of the tumour, the location of the tumour in the body, and the overall health of the patient. Treatment options for bone and soft tissue tumours may include:
- Surgery: Surgery is often the main treatment for bone and soft tissue tumours. The goal of surgery is to remove the entire tumour and any surrounding tissue that may contain cancer cells. In some cases, the surgeon may need to remove a portion of the bone or joint to ensure that all of the cancer cells are removed.
- Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams, such as X-rays or protons, to kill cancer cells. It is often used in combination with surgery to help reduce the risk of the cancer returning.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It is often used in combination with surgery and/or radiation therapy to help reduce the risk of the cancer returning.
- Targeted therapy uses drugs that target specific proteins or genes in cancer cells. It may be used in combination with surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy to help kill cancer cells and prevent the cancer from returning.
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy uses the body’s own immune system to fight cancer. It may be used in combination with surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy to help the body’s immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.
- Clinical trials: Clinical trials are research studies that test new treatments to see if they are safe and effective. Some patients with bone and soft tissue tumours may be eligible to participate in clinical trials, which can offer access to treatments that are not yet widely available.
It’s important to note that treatment options and recommendations can vary widely depending on the specific type and stage of the tumour, as well as the overall health and preferences of the patient.