Bone tumours and orthopaedic oncology
Specialist evaluation of suspected primary bone tumours and complex oncologic reconstruction.
When specialist review is useful
Referral may be appropriate for a destructive or indeterminate bone lesion, persistent unexplained bone pain with an imaging abnormality, a pathological fracture or a suspected primary bone tumour.
Diagnosis
Plain radiographs are often the starting point. Cross-sectional imaging and staging are selected according to the lesion. If biopsy is required, its route should be planned with the team that would perform definitive surgery.
Multidisciplinary planning
Treatment varies substantially by diagnosis. Pathology, imaging, age, anatomical site and stage determine the roles of surgery, systemic therapy and radiotherapy.
Surgery and reconstruction
Where oncologically appropriate, treatment may aim to preserve the limb and reconstruct bone or joint function. Some situations require more radical surgery; decisions are individual.