Soft tissue lump service at Bristol Hospital

Soft-tissue lumps of the limbs and torso (part of the musculo-skeletal system) are common. The majority of these lumps are harmless (benign). In order to avoid missing the rare dangerous (malignant) soft-tissue lumps, the treating doctors must recognize the features that are key to determining which are benign and which are malignant.

The multidisciplinary team of experts who provide medical care, include an orthopaedic surgeon, a radiologist and a pathologist. All of the consultants have specialist training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of benign and malignant musculo-skeletal tumours, and are members of the national team for musculo-skeletal tumours.

Patients who are found to have a soft tissue lump of an uncertain nature will be offered an appointment to consult with a specialist musculoskeletal oncologist, usually within a week of referral. Investigations, including MRI scan (where this is required), will be organised on the day of the appointment for the majority of patients. A prompt diagnosis will be made and patients will be reviewed at the clinic with the results the following week where appropriate treatment will be recommended.