Tumours of the musculoskeletal system can range from the more common benign to the rarer malignant tumours. While they can arise from any cellular element, they are almost always mesenchymal in origin.

In general, sarcomas tend to arise de novo, not from benign neoplasms. Many preferentially affect children and young adults. Many sarcomas have characteristic molecular abnormalities, especially chromosomal translocations, though the ultimate etiology of most is unknown.

bone tumours

soft tissue tumours

bone tumours

osteoma and osteosarcoma

chondroma and chondrosarcoma

Ewing's sarcoma

soft tissue tumours

Soft tissue tumours arise anywhere deep to the skin and above the periosteum.

fibroma and fibrosarcoma

lipoma and liposarcoma

leiomyoma and leiomyosarcoma

rhabdomyoma and rhabdomyosarcoma

angioma and angiosarcoma

Most sarcomas are high grade, with a moderate to high rate of metastatic spread via the blood. The lung is the most frequent site of metastasis.

An enlarging mass is the most common symptom of soft tissue tumours.

Pain is the most common symptom of bone tumours. The pain is persistent and of increasing intensity, not associated with a history of trauma. They may present with pathologic fracture.

Bone may respond via lysis, remodeling, or mixed lysis and remodeling.

Psuedotumours are conditions that simulate true neoplasms

Section Links

Musculoskeletal Injuries, Conditions, and Diseases

Trauma and Injury

Shoulder

Elbow

Wrist and Hand

Hip

Knee

Ankle

Degenerative Processes

Immunological Conditions and Diseases

Connective Tissue Diseases

Tumours

Congenital Disorders