Fellowship-Trained Specialist in Bone Tumors, Soft Tissue Sarcomas & Bone Metastases
A bone tumor diagnosis can be overwhelming and frightening. Dr. Ben Deheshi is a fellowship-trained orthopedic oncologist with specialized expertise in diagnosing and treating bone and soft tissue tumors. With advanced training in complex bone reconstruction and limb preservation surgery, Dr. Deheshi provides comprehensive care for patients facing these challenging conditions throughout the DFW metroplex.
What is Orthopedic Oncology?
Orthopedic oncology is a subspecialty of orthopedic surgery focused on the diagnosis and treatment of benign and malignant tumors of the bones and soft tissues. This includes:
- Primary bone tumors (sarcomas)
- Soft tissue sarcomas
- Bone metastases (cancer spread from other organs)
- Benign bone tumors
- Tumor-like conditions of bone
Fellowship training in orthopedic oncology requires an additional year of specialized education beyond orthopedic surgery residency, focusing on tumor biology, oncologic principles, complex bone reconstruction, and limb preservation techniques.
Conditions We Treat
Primary Bone Sarcomas
Malignant tumors that originate in the bone, including:
- Osteosarcoma
- Chondrosarcoma
- Ewing’s sarcoma
- Chordoma
- Malignant fibrous histiocytoma of bone
These rare tumors require specialized treatment combining surgery, chemotherapy, and sometimes radiation therapy.
Soft Tissue Sarcomas
Malignant tumors of the soft tissues, including:
- Liposarcoma
- Leiomyosarcoma
- Synovial sarcoma
- Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma
- Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors
Soft tissue sarcomas require wide surgical excision and often multimodal treatment.
Bone Metastases
Cancer that has spread to the bones from other organs such as:
- Breast cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Lung cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Multiple myeloma
Bone metastases can cause pain, fractures, and functional impairment requiring surgical stabilization or reconstruction.
Benign Bone Tumors
Non-cancerous bone tumors that may still require treatment:
- Giant cell tumor of bone
- Enchondroma
- Osteochondroma
- Aneurysmal bone cyst
- Fibrous dysplasia
- Osteoid osteoma
While benign, these tumors can cause pain, fractures, or functional problems.
Diagnostic Approach
Accurate diagnosis is critical in orthopedic oncology. Dr. Deheshi employs a comprehensive diagnostic approach:
Imaging Studies
- X-rays to identify bone abnormalities
- MRI for detailed soft tissue and bone marrow evaluation
- CT scans for surgical planning and staging
- PET scans for metabolic activity and metastasis detection
- Bone scans for skeletal survey
Biopsy
When a tumor is suspected, biopsy is necessary to establish the diagnosis:
- Core needle biopsy (preferred when possible)
- Open incisional biopsy when needed
- Careful biopsy technique to avoid contamination of surrounding tissues
Multidisciplinary Tumor Board
Dr. Deheshi presents cases to a multidisciplinary tumor board including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, and radiologists to develop comprehensive treatment plans.
Treatment Options
Surgical Treatment
Dr. Deheshi specializes in limb-sparing surgery whenever possible:
Wide Excision: Complete removal of tumor with adequate margins of healthy tissue
Limb Preservation: Reconstructive techniques to preserve limb function after tumor removal, including:
- Endoprosthetic reconstruction (tumor prostheses)
- Allograft reconstruction (donor bone)
- Bone transport techniques
- Arthroplasty after tumor excision
Curettage and Reconstruction: For select benign aggressive tumors, curettage with adjuvants and bone grafting or cement reconstruction
Stabilization of Pathologic Fractures: Surgical fixation or replacement of bones weakened or broken by metastatic disease
Amputation: Reserved for cases where limb preservation is not possible while achieving adequate cancer control
Adjuvant Therapy Coordination
Dr. Deheshi works closely with medical oncologists and radiation oncologists to coordinate:
- Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (before surgery)
- Adjuvant chemotherapy (after surgery)
- Radiation therapy when indicated
Limb Preservation Surgery
Dr. Deheshi’s fellowship training provides specialized expertise in limb preservation techniques, allowing most patients to avoid amputation while achieving excellent cancer control.
Endoprosthetic Reconstruction
For tumors involving or near joints, Dr. Deheshi uses custom tumor prostheses that replace the diseased bone and joint, allowing immediate weight-bearing and function.
Allograft Reconstruction
Donor bone can be used to replace segments of bone removed during tumor surgery, preserving bone stock and anatomy.
Combined Techniques
In challenging cases, Dr. Deheshi employs combined reconstruction techniques using both prosthetic and biologic materials for optimal outcomes.
Why Fellowship Training Matters
Orthopedic oncology fellowship training provides specialized skills that are crucial for optimal outcomes:
Oncologic Principles: Understanding tumor biology, staging, and appropriate surgical margins Complex Reconstruction: Advanced techniques for rebuilding bones and joints after tumor removal Multimodal Treatment: Coordinating surgery with chemotherapy and radiation
Complication Management: Experience with the unique challenges of oncologic reconstruction
Long-term Surveillance: Understanding natural history and follow-up requirements
Dr. Deheshi’s fellowship training in orthopedic oncology at a high-volume sarcoma center provides this essential expertise.
The DFW Orthopedics Approach
Comprehensive Care
From diagnosis through treatment and long-term follow-up, Dr. Deheshi provides comprehensive care:
- Thorough evaluation and accurate diagnosis
- Multidisciplinary treatment planning
- Advanced surgical techniques
- Coordination with medical oncology and radiation oncology
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Long-term surveillance
Patient-Centered Treatment
Every patient’s situation is unique. Dr. Deheshi takes time to:
- Explain diagnosis and treatment options in understandable terms
- Address concerns and answer questions
- Involve patients and families in treatment decisions
- Provide emotional support throughout the journey
Access to Clinical Trials
When appropriate, Dr. Deheshi can facilitate access to clinical trials for novel treatments.
What to Expect
Initial Consultation
Your first visit includes:
- Detailed review of symptoms and medical histor
- Physical examination
- Review of imaging studies
- Discussion of likely diagnosis and next steps
- Biopsy planning if needed
Treatment Planning
Once diagnosis is established:
- Multidisciplinary tumor board review
- Discussion of treatment options
- Surgical planning if indicated
- Coordination with medical oncology
- Pre-operative optimization
Surgery and Recovery
Surgical treatment is followed by:
- Hospital stay (typically 3-7 days depending on procedure)
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Adjuvant therapy if needed
- Regular follow-up visits
- Long-term surveillance imaging
Questions to Ask
When facing a bone or soft tissue tumor diagnosis, important questions include:
- What type of tumor do I have?
- Is it benign or malignant?
- What stage is the tumor?
- What are my treatment options?
- Can my limb be saved?
- What is the expected recovery?
- What are the risks and benefits of each approach?
- What is my prognosis?
Dr. Deheshi encourages patients to ask questions and takes time to provide thorough, honest answers.
Your Partner in Cancer Care
A bone or soft tissue tumor diagnosis is life-changing, but you don’t have to face it alone. Dr. Deheshi’s fellowship training in orthopedic oncology and commitment to patient-centered care means you’ll receive expert treatment delivered with compassion and respect.
Second Opinion for Bone Tumors
If you’ve received a bone tumor diagnosis, a second opinion from a fellowship-trained orthopedic oncologist is essential. Dr. Deheshi provides comprehensive second opinion consultations to ensure you have all the information needed to make informed decisions.
Resources and Support
Patient Education
We provide educational materials about specific tumor types, treatment options, and what to expect.
Support Services
We can connect you with:
- Cancer support groups
- Counseling services
- Financial counseling
- Social work services
Coordination of Care
Our team coordinates all aspects of your care, from scheduling appointments to communicating with your other physicians.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Orthopedic oncology cases are complex and require specialized expertise. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a bone or soft tissue tumor, seeking care from a fellowship- trained orthopedic oncologist like Dr. Deheshi can make a significant difference in outcomes.
Your Pain Free Destination extends to patients facing bone and soft tissue tumors. We’re here to help.