When you have a tumor that develops in bone, muscle or other soft tissue, it’s important to receive care from a team with experience. At MU Health Care, our specialists have the expertise to diagnose and treat these complex conditions with precision and care.

Musculoskeletal tumors are abnormal growths that develop in the bones or soft tissues like muscle, fat or cartilage. While many are benign (noncancerous), some can be malignant (cancerous) and require specialized diagnosis and treatment.

With advanced diagnostic testing and a close, careful look, we can better understand your situation and develop a plan based on your unique needs. As the only center in central Missouri offering specialized orthopaedic oncology care for musculoskeletal tumors, we’re equipped to provide high-level expertise for these complex conditions.

Musculoskeletal Tumor Symptoms

Bone and soft tissue tumors can cause a wide range of symptoms. These depend on the size and type of tumor and where it is located.

Possible signs to watch for include: 

• A hard or soft lump that may or may not hurt when you press it
• Pain in your bone or surrounding tissues
• Unusual swelling
• Unexplained fractures
• Weight loss

Types of Musculoskeletal Tumors

Musculoskeletal tumors include different types of growths that can form in bones or soft tissues.

Benign Tumors

Benign tumors are noncancerous, but may still require specialized treatment if they cause symptoms or continue to grow:

• Enchondroma (cartilage)
• Fibroma (fibrous tissue)
• Lipoma (fat)
• Osteochondroma (bone and cartilage)
• Myxoma (muscle)
• Hemangioma (blood vessels)

Malignant Tumors (Sarcomas)

Sarcomas are cancerous and can spread (metastasize): 

• Chondrosarcoma (cartilage)
• Ewing sarcoma (bone or soft tissue)
• Liposarcoma (fat)
• Osteosarcoma (bone cancer)
• Rhabdomyosarcoma (muscle)

Bone Metastases

Cancers that spread to the bone from other parts of the body (bone metastases) also require specialized oncology orthopedic care to manage pain, maintain mobility and support bone strength. Most common cancers that spread to bone include: 

• Breast
• Lung
• Kidney
• Prostate
• Thyroid

Hematologic Malignancies

Hematologic cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma or multiple myeloma, can also affect the bones. When this happens, you may experience pain, fractures or other complications that can be evaluated and cared for by our oncology orthopaedist.

How We Diagnose Musculoskeletal Tumors

MU Health Care has professionals with extensive experience in diagnosing rare types of musculoskeletal tumors, as well as identifying other conditions that may be mistaken for such. In some instances, malignant musculoskeletal tumors can also look like benign tumors. Or what looks like a tumor may actually be an infection or injury.

We understand how overwhelming a tumor diagnosis can feel. During your first visit, your oncology orthopaedic surgeon will review any imaging you’ve already had and perform a thorough evaluation. If additional tests are needed, we’ll explain why they’re important and help you schedule them. Our goal is to guide you through each step with clarity and care.

Advanced Imaging Tests

We may order imaging tests to diagnose your tumor. We offer the full range of imaging tests for musculoskeletal tumors, including:

• Bone scans, which use a radioactive substance to examine your bones
• Computed tomography (CT) scans, which use multiple X-rays to create pictures of your bone and soft tissue
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, which use magnets and radio waves and sometimes involve a contrast dye for clearer images
• X-rays, which are often the first step to check for bone and soft tissue tumors
• Positron emission tomography (PET) scans, which use a small amount of radioactive sugar to detect areas of increased activity that may suggest tumor growth or spread

Biopsy and Genetic Sequencing

We may ask for genetic sequencing of your tissue sample to help us better understand the makeup of your tumor. This can also help us personalize treatments to your tumor for better outcomes. 

A biopsy involves taking a tissue sample of your tumor. Your oncology orthopaedic surgeon may remove a sample through a small incision or needle. If your tumor is deep in your tissue, our interventional radiologists can take a sample using image guidance.

How We Treat Musculoskeletal Tumors

Limb-Sparing Surgery

At MU Health Care you’ll be treated by the region’s only oncology orthopaedic surgeon, specializing in advanced reconstructive techniques to preserve limbs affected by bone and soft tissue tumors. Depending on your case, surgery may involve custom metal or plastic implants, or tissue from another part of your body.

In some cases, treatments like chemotherapy or radiation may be recommended before surgery to help shrink the tumor and minimize the amount of tissue that needs to be removed.

Systemic Treatments for Musculoskeletal Tumors

Systemic treatments (e.g., treatments that travel through your whole body or “system”) for malignant musculoskeletal tumors include:

• Chemotherapy, which kills cancer cells throughout your body.
• Immunotherapy, which helps your immune system fight cancerous tumors
• Targeted therapies, which are “matched” to the genetic makeup of your tumor

Radiation Treatments for Musculoskeletal Tumor

Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to treat malignant tumors. It is often used for soft tissue tumors and less often for bone tumors.

Why Choose MU Health Care for Musculoskeletal Tumors

• Unmatched Expertise in Orthopaedic Oncology: At MU Health Care, you'll be treated by the region’s only oncology orthopedic surgeon — offering specialized training, advanced surgical skills and extensive experience in managing complex bone and soft tissue tumors.
• Collaborative, Full-Spectrum Care: Tumors involving bone or soft tissues require input from multiple experts. We take a truly collaborative approach, working closely with specialists in radiology, medical oncology, radiation oncology and pathology to build a complete, personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
• Second Opinions and Personalized Plans: If you've been diagnosed at another hospital, we’re happy to provide a second opinion. We’ll help you understand your diagnosis and treatment options. We’ll work closely with you — and with any other specialists involved — to ensure your treatment is both effective and personalized.