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Home Specialties Orthopedic Oncology

Orthopedic Oncology Icon Orthopedic Oncology Care for Bone & Soft Tissue Tumors

If you have ongoing bone discomfort, notice an unexplained growth, or receive an abnormal imaging result, you may be concerned about a musculoskeletal mass. Orthopedic oncology specialists are trained to treat benign (non-cancerous), malignant (cancerous), or bone metastases from another part of the body.

If you are concerned about an unexplained growth, contact an orthopedic oncology specialist. At Piedmont Orthopedics | OrthoAtlanta, our specialists can provide accurate diagnosis, tailored treatment, and coordinated care. Schedule your appointment today.

Topic at a Glance

  • Orthopedic oncology focuses on tumors affecting the bones and soft tissues of the musculoskeletal system.
  • Tumors may be benign or malignant, and some cancers can spread to the bone.
  • Diagnosis may involve imaging and a biopsy.
  • Treatment can include monitoring, surgery, and other cancer treatments depending on the diagnosis.

What is Orthopedic Oncology?

Orthopedic oncology is a specialized area of orthopedic medicine that diagnoses and treats tumors of the musculoskeletal system. Orthopedic oncologists can evaluate both benign and malignant tumors.

Many tumors found within the musculoskeletal system are benign, meaning that they are not cancerous. These types of tumors may still require monitoring and treatment. If the tumor is cancerous, orthopedic oncologists may collaborate with other specialists to create a treatment plan.

medical professional holding patient's hand in comfort
elderly woman holding her shoulder in discomfort

What Conditions Does Orthopedic Oncology Treat?

At OrthoAtlanta, our orthopedic oncology specialists treat a wide range of tumors and tumor-related conditions. This includes both benign and malignant bone and soft tissue tumors, as well as metastatic disease affecting the musculoskeletal system.

Benign Bone & Soft Tissue Tumors

Benign bone and soft tissue tumors are noncancerous growths. They usually do not spread to other parts of the body. These tumors can be found in the bone, muscles, fat, connective tissues, or nerves. Benign bone tumors can increase your risk for bone fractures and can cause pain.

The benign tumors we treat include the following:

  • Bone cysts
  • Osteochondromas
  • Giant cell tumors
  • Benign soft tissue masses
  • Lipomas
  • Other non-cancerous musculoskeletal tumors

Primary Bone & Soft Tissue Cancers

Malignant bone tumors are cancerous and may damage surrounding tissue or spread to other parts of the body. Examples of the cancerous tumors we treat include the following:

  • Osteosarcoma
  • Chondrosarcoma
  • Ewing sarcoma
  • Soft tissue sarcoma
  • Other primary musculoskeletal malignancies

Metastatic Bone Disease

Metastatic bone disease is a condition where cancers that started in one area of the body have spread to or affected the bone. Cancers that have started in the breast tissue, prostate, or lungs are all examples of where these tumors can spread from. These types of cancers can cause pain or pathologic fractures.

At OrthoAtlanta, we treat the following metastatic bone diseases:

  • Cancer that has spread to the bone
  • Bone lesions
  • Bone weakening related to cancer
  • Impending fractures

Tumor-Related Orthopedic Conditions

We also treat these tumor-related orthopedic conditions:

  • Pathologic fractures
  • Bone destruction caused by tumors
  • Tumor-related pain
  • Functional limitations caused by musculoskeletal tumors

What Are the Symptoms of Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors?

The symptoms that could indicate a tumor in either the bone or soft tissues include the following:

  • A painless or painful lump under the skin (soft tissue)
  • Persistent or unexplained bone pain (bone tumor)
  • Swelling around a bone or joint
  • Painful movement
  • Unexplained fractures or fractures occurring after relatively minor trauma

Not all of these symptoms mean you have a tumor. It's important to get an accurate diagnosis to explain the symptoms you are experiencing.

How Are Tumors Diagnosed?

Your diagnosis will begin with a discussion of your medical history and the symptoms you are experiencing. Depending on the symptoms, you may be referred for imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI scans, or CT scans.

It is normal for a biopsy to be done. The results can show whether the tumor is benign or malignant. The test will also help identify the type of tumor you have.

Orthopedic Oncology Treatment Options

Your tumor treatment will depend on the type of tumor, whether it is benign or malignant, the size of the tumor, and its location. Other factors that will be considered include whether it has spread and your overall health.

Non-Surgical Management

Some benign tumors and select musculoskeletal conditions may be managed with the following non-surgical treatments:

  • Observation and monitoring
  • Imaging surveillance
  • Symptom management
  • Coordinated oncology care

Surgical Treatment

When surgery is recommended, our orthopedic surgery may include the following procedures:

  • Tumor removal
  • Limb-sparing surgery
  • Bone reconstruction procedures
  • Surgical stabilization of weakened bone
  • Management of pathologic fractures

Our orthopedic oncology specialists focus on preserving function, mobility, and quality of life while delivering advanced care for complex musculoskeletal tumors and tumor-related conditions.

When Should You See an Orthopedic Oncology Specialist?

It may be necessary to see an orthopedic oncology specialist if you have noticed the following symptoms:

  • Persistent or unexplained bone pain
  • A new lump or mass under your skin
  • A mass or lump that is growing
  • An unexplained fracture

An orthopedic oncology evaluation can help determine what further testing or treatment may be appropriate.

Why Choose OrthoAtlanta for Orthopedic Oncology Care?

At OrthoAtlanta, our orthopedic oncology specialists provide care for bone and soft tissue tumors and other musculoskeletal conditions that may require specialized evaluation and treatment. We can develop an individualized treatment plan based on your diagnosis, needs, and overall health. When necessary, we can coordinate your care with other medical specialists.

Our team is committed to helping patients understand their diagnosis, explore appropriate treatment options, and navigate each stage of care. With a collaborative approach, we strive to provide comprehensive support throughout the treatment process.

Get Expert Orthopedic Oncology Care

If you are experiencing persistent bone pain or have an unexplained lump in your soft tissue, then an evaluation may help determine your next step. Schedule an evaluation with one of our Orthopedic Oncology specialists today at Piedmont Orthopedics | OrthoAtlanta. 

References

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/orthopaedic-surgery/specialty-areas/oncology

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bone-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20350217

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21881-tumor#diagnosis-and-tests

 
 

Meet Our Orthopedic Oncology Specialists

Devon R. Tobey, M.D., OrthoAtlanta

Devon R. Tobey, M.D.

Orthopedic Oncology
View Info

What to Expect: Your Care Journey

Comprehensive Evaluation

Your physician reviews symptoms, imaging studies, medical history, and any prior testing.

Diagnostic Assessment

Additional imaging or biopsy may be recommended to determine the nature of the tumor and guide treatment planning.

Personalized Treatment Plan

Every patient receives an individualized treatment strategy based on the diagnosis, location of the tumor, and overall treatment goals.

Treatment & Recovery

Whether treatment involves monitoring, surgery, or multidisciplinary care, our team remains focused on preserving function and supporting recovery.

Long-Term Follow-Up

Ongoing monitoring may be recommended to evaluate healing, recovery, and long-term outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  Does an orthopedic oncologist treat cancer?

Orthopedic oncologists specialize in diagnosing and treating benign and malignant tumors. They may work with other oncology specialists in treating cancerous tumors.

Q:  Are all bone tumors cancerous?

No. Many bone tumors are benign and do not spread, although some may still require monitoring or treatment.

Q:  What are the warning signs of a bone tumor?

The warning signs of a bone tumor include persistent unexplained bone pain, swelling, a growing lump, or an unexplained fracture.

Q:  How is a bone tumor diagnosed?

The specialist may perform a physical examination, order imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI, and perform a biopsy of the tumor tissue.

Q:  Can bone tumors be treated without surgery?

Some benign tumors may simply be monitored, while other tumors may require surgery or additional treatment. The appropriate approach depends on the diagnosis.

Hear What Other Patients Have to Say

  • Dr. Tobey was exceptional. Very thorough, extremely knowledgeable. Dr. Tobey was kind, included my spouse in the conversation. Provided me an opportunity to ask questions and I felt she related to my concern and offered options to consider.

    -  Exceptional & kind

  • Dr. Tobey is an excellent Dr. Very knowledgeable and thorough. Her personality and mannerisms are pleasant, consoling, and patient. She reviews options for treatment and gives honest opinions with choices or with the most effective course of action.

    -  Very knowledgeable and thorough

  • Dr. Tobey truly listens and develops a treatment plan that's best for me. Both my wife and I are new patients at this practice and nothing but great things to say.

    -  Nothing but great things to say
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