The type of tumor, its size, its location and how old the individual is all affect treatment decisions. Some tumors will heal after a fracture. Others may stop growing if the patient is near maturity when the tumor is discovered. Still other tumors are only discovered when an X-ray is taken for another reason. These may only need to be watched to make sure they aren't growing or becoming aggressive.
Usually, however, surgery is needed. Surgery removes the tumor and rebuilds new, healthy bone where the tumor was removed. At the Cedars-Sinai Orthopedic Center, specialized, minimally invasive techniques are used to protect the surrounding healthy tissue. This gives young patients the greatest chance of returning to full and unlimited activities.
Benign bone tumors include:
- Osteoblastomas, which affect children and adolescents. These tumors can be large, aggressive and painful. They are best treated by a multidisciplinary team of oncologists, orthopedic surgeons and pain management specialists. They sometimes cause spinal deformity and paralysis. Treatment of depends on the tumor's size and location.
- Osteoid osteoma, which is a small bone tumor (smaller than two centimeters). It usually affects adolescents, causing pain at night. It may also result in spinal deformity. Treatment depends the tumor's size and location. Surgery may be necessary if spine stability is compromised.