LocationsMusculoskeletal Tumors
Here at POSOC, we work as part of an integrated team of specialists at CHOC to treat children with all benign and malignant bone and soft tissue tumors. The objective of all treatment is to completely remove the tumor and to eradicate any tumor cells that may have spread to other parts of the body. Local control is achieved through surgery and rarely radiation therapy, and distant control is achieved through the use of chemotherapy. Some of the diseases we treat are listed below.
Benign Bone Tumors
Benign bone tumors typically do not metastasize or spread to other areas of the body. Many benign tumors do not require treatment; however, some may be very aggressive and require intervention. Examples of benign bone tumors are listed below.
- Aneurysmal bone cyst
- Chondroblastoma
- Chondromyxoid fibroma
- Fibrous dysplasia
- Giant cell tumor
- Metaphyseal fibrous defect
- Osteoblastoma
- Osteoid osteoma
- Osteochondroma
- Unicameral bone cyst
Malignant Bone Tumors
All malignant bone tumors require treatment. Treatment success depends on early diagnosis and appropriate management.
- Chondrosarcoma
- Ewing Sarcoma
- Osteosarcoma
Soft Tissue Sarcomas
Soft tissue sarcomas are exceptionally rare in children. They develop in soft tissues such as muscle or fat, not in bone. They occur most commonly in the extremities or pelvic region, and while there are many different types of soft tissue sarcomas, most are treated in the same manner.
- Fibrosarcoma
- Liposarcoma
- Rhabdomyosarcoma
- Synovial cell sarcoma
- Undifferentiated Pleiomorphic Sarcoma
Treatment
Treatment varies depending on the type of disease. We perform the surgical treatment of the benign and malignant disorders at CHOC with an exclusively pediatric multidisciplinary team of anesthesiologists, critical care physicians, and nurses. Our main objective is to remove the primary cancer entirely, with the secondary goal of minimizing surgical impact on the performance and appearance of the affected body part. Some of the surgical techniques we employ are listed below.
- Custom reconstruction
- Capanna Technique
- Limb Salvage
- Amputation
- Pelvic surgery
- Plastic surgery
- Rotationplasty
Chemotherapy is often required in the treatment of malignant tumors, and in those cases we work closely with the pediatric sarcoma team at CHOC to provide efficient, compassionate, and coordinated care to our patients.
When meeting with our doctors for evaluation of any tumor, please plan to bring all medical records pertaining to that condition. These would include reports of any biopsies, lab results, CD copies and interpretations of imaging studies, and details of all previous treatments.
Please contact us if you have any specific questions, we would be happy to assist you.