Rise in bone, soft tissue tumours reported

Doctors in Karachi have reported a growing number of musculoskeletal tumour cases, with specialists urging early diagnosis to prevent life-threatening complications.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, orthopaedic specialist Dr Sajjad Baghio of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre said musculoskeletal tumours include cancers of the bones, muscles, fat and other soft tissues, but are often ignored by patients in their early stages.

He explained that bone tumours are more common in children and are usually accompanied by persistent pain, often worsening at night or not responding to routine painkillers. In adults, however, tumours of muscles and soft tissues are more frequent and typically present as painless but gradually enlarging swelling.

Dr Baghio warned that swelling in an arm or leg that continues to grow for more than a month, unexplained fractures after minor injuries, or persistent limb pain in children lasting several weeks should not be overlooked. "Instead of relying on home remedies, patients should immediately consult an orthopaedic or oncology surgeon," he advised.

He noted that while many cancers can be hereditary, there is no specific screening programme for musculoskeletal tumours. Delayed hospital visits remain a major challenge, with many cases presenting at advanced stages when the disease has spread to the lungs, liver or other bones.

According to the doctor, if aggressive tumours are diagnosed and treated at an early stage, the five-year survival rate is encouraging - meaning patients can go on to live normal lives if the cancer does not recur within that period. He said more than 100 bone cancer patients visit a single hospital each month.

Dr Baghio, who has received training at Dow University of Health Sciences and in China, added that from 2025 his team at JPMC has been handling complex tumour cases.

In severe cases, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are administered first to shrink the tumour, followed by surgery. "Cancer is not a hopeless diagnosis," he said. "With timely treatment, not only can lives and limbs be saved, but their function can also be preserved."