Pelvic tumours

What are the pelvic tumors?

The pelvis represents a bony connection between the spine and the legs and is made up of the two hip bones, the coccyx and the sacrum. Like all tumors, we can broadly distinguish between three types: These are the benign tumors, the malignant tumors, and the daughter tumors, also termed metastases. The bones of the arms, pelvis and legs are affected by three quarters of all bone tumors. Roughly fifty percent of all bone tumors are benign.

Malignant tumors that arise primarily from bone cells are rare. Often these tumors develop in patients from the age of ten to the age of twenty. They can arise from cells of the bone as well as of the cartilage. According to its severity, the tumor may resemble its original tissue very closely, or be barely discernible as such. The three most common malignant bone tumors arising from this tissue are osteosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma and chondrosarcoma and all three are highly aggressive. This means they are fast growing and metastasize early.

Osteosarcoma is a malignant tumor that most often presents in males between the ages of 10 and 25 and in most cases it affects the long bones. Ewing's sarcoma also mainly affects young individuals. In this case, the femur, pelvis, fibula, tibia and humerus are most frequently involved. Chondrosarcoma is a malignant tumor capable of producing cartilage. Mainly people between 40 and 60 years of age are affected with the most common location being the pelvis.

However, the majority of bone tumors do not originate from the bone itself, but they are metastases. These metastases spread mostly from the breast, kidneys, lungs, or prostate gland. Most of the bone metastases break down the bone substance and damage the bone tissue. This renders the invaded bones fragile and may result in fractures. A small number of bone metastases cause the bone tissue to become denser. Furthermore, metastases may break down the bone in some locations and make it denser it in other locations.

Pelvic tumor symptoms

In the early stages, tumors of the pelvic bone produce very few to no symptoms. As the tumor continues to grow into the bone, pain and instability may be experienced. In the more advanced stages, the compromised bone may also break. Also localized swelling may be apparent. For patients suffering from Ewing's sarcoma, fever also may be a presenting symptom.

Treatment options for tumors of the pelvis

Severeal therapeutic options are available: Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. The factors influencing the choice of treatment include the type of tumor, the patient's age, as well as the location of the tumor.

Surgery

Most malignant tumors require surgical removal. In case of bone tumors, it may be necessary to also take out a part or a whole joint along with the bone. If there is a pelvic bone tumor, then it may affect the hip joint between the pelvis and the femur. Then, once the tumor has been removed, the patient is provided with an endoprosthesis that will replace the removed parts of the bone and joint. In case no joint is involved, the malignant bone can also be stabilized with artificial material. Physiotherapy following the operation is essential for rapid mobilization and return to the physical requirements of daily life. Surgery is often combined with chemotherapy or radiation.

Radiation

Radiotherapy can be effectively employed to treat single, localized bone tumors while it can also help reduce the pain associated with the tumor as well as reduce the risk of fracture. This is achieved by delivering the radiation right on the tumor tissue while adjacent tissue is not exposed to radiation and is spared. Radiotherapy can be performed as a one-time procedure or in multiple sessions as an outpatient treatment. Radiation to the pelvic area can compromise fertility, therefore it should be discussed beforehand with patients who wish to have a child whether they would like to freeze their eggs or sperm.

Which doctors and clinics specialize in pelvic tumors?

If you're in need of a doctor, you expect the best medical care possible. So of course patients are curious to find out what clinic to go to. As there is no objective way to answer this question and a legitimate doctor would never claim to be the best, patients must rely on a doctor's experience.

Let us help you find an expert for your condition. All listed doctors and clinics have been reviewed by us for their outstanding specialization in the field of pelvic tumors and are looking forward to your inquiry or wish for treatment.

Sources:

• Schünke et al.: Prometheus Lernatlas der Anatomie: Innere Organe. 4. Auflage Thieme 2015, ISBN: 978-3-131-39534-4. 
• Benninghoff, Drenckhahn: Taschenbuch Anatomie. 1. Auflage Urban & Fischer 2007, ISBN: 978-3-437-41194-6.
• Aumüller et al.: Duale Reihe Anatomie. 1. Auflage Thieme 2006,