Orthospine oncology

We care for people with tumours that start in the bone or spine, and for cancers that have spread there from elsewhere. When a tumour affects a limb, our surgeons can remove it and rebuild the bone. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are available on the same sites, so treatment stays joined up.

What is orthospine oncology?

Orthospine oncology is the care of tumours in the bones and the spine. A few begin in the bone itself, such as osteosarcoma, but primary bone cancer is rare. Far more often, a cancer that started elsewhere has spread to the bone, most commonly from the breast, prostate or lung. Surgery removes the tumour and, wherever possible, keeps the affected limb. Tumours of the spinal cord itself are treated by our neurosurgeons rather than here.

When should you see a specialist?

Book an appointment if you notice:

• Bone pain that is constant or worse at night
• A lump or swelling over a bone
• A bone that breaks after a minor injury
• New back pain that does not settle
• A soft tissue lump that keeps growing

New weakness or numbness in the legs can be a sign of pressure on the spinal cord. If this happens, or you lose control of your bladder or bowel, contact your cancer team straight away or go to the nearest emergency department.

There's no routine screening for bone cancer, so new or lasting symptoms are the main reason to seek advice. Most bone and back pain isn't cancer, and your doctor can arrange tests or refer you if needed.

What to expect

At your first appointment, the specialist asks about your symptoms and examines the affected area. Most people have imaging early on, usually an X-ray and then an MRI scan. This shows the tumour and the tissue around it. If a scan shows a growth, the specialist takes a small sample (a biopsy) to confirm whether it's cancer. Other scans, such as a CT or bone scan, can check whether it has spread.

Treatment depends on the type of tumour and whether it has spread. Surgery to remove the tumour is common, and the surgeon rebuilds or supports the bone afterwards. Some tumours also need chemotherapy or radiotherapy, before or after surgery. Where saving the limb is not possible, amputation is sometimes necessary. Your specialist explains which options fit your situation, and you have regular check-ups once treatment ends.

Orthospine oncology at Mediclinic

We provide surgery for bone and soft tissue tumours through our cancer centres. There, our surgeons remove the tumour and rebuild the bone. You'll have any chemotherapy from our medical oncologists, as an outpatient where possible. Every case is first reviewed by a tumour board, so the whole plan is agreed by one team before treatment starts. Afterwards, we help with support such as nutrition, pain relief and emotional wellbeing. For people living with advanced cancer, palliative care runs alongside treatment to keep them comfortable. This care is available across our hospitals in the UAE, and your doctor can point you to the nearest service.