Benign Soft Tissue Tumors
Therefore, if the lump does not feel
like a lipoma, if it is seen to grow, or causes pain, it should be assessed
carefully and thoughtfully. Often the use of MRI scans can assist in
determining both the location and the internal characteristics of the tumor.
A soft tissue mass, which does not
have the appearance of a lipoma on MRI, needs to be approached more cautiously.
Often, a minimally invasive biopsy is desirable, prior to commitment to any
larger surgical procedure. The vast majority of benign soft tissue tumors can
be treated with a single clean surgical procedure and minimal risk to
surrounding normal blood vessels, nerves, muscle or bone. This provides the
patient with the greatest possible functional recovery and the least chance of
local recurrence of the tumor. In general, the orthopaedic surgeon should
consider a biopsy before proceeding with an excision of a tumor. Only on rare
occasions should the orthopaedic surgeon consider resection without a biopsy.
What are the symptoms?
Benign soft tissue tumors may or may
not cause pain and vary widely in appearance. If the tumor grows or causes
pain, it should be assessed by a doctor.
What are my treatment options?
Depending on the type of tumor you
have, your doctor may or may not recommend surgery. Tumors are removed
surgically with the goal of minimizing risk to surrounding normal blood
vessels, nerves, muscle or bone.