Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors
Multidisciplinary approach to sarcomas
Sarcoma Specialist
Member of Australian and International societies of musculoskeletal oncology
A/Prof Di Bella trained in one of the most renowned Orthopaedic Centres in Europe, the Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute in Bologna (Italy) known worldwide for its excellence in the treatment of Bone and Soft Tissue Tumours.
Ms Di Bella has many years experience in the treatment of both benign and malignant musculoskeletal tumours and has established collaboration with medical oncologists and radiation oncologists with expertise in this complex field. A/Prof Di Bella believes in a holistic approach for the management of this challenging conditions, and builds a relationship with her patients based on clear, open and empathic communication.
A/Prof Di Bella is a member of the Australia and New Zealand Sarcoma Association (ANZSA), and the only woman in Australia specialist in orthopaedic oncology.
Computer Assisted Surgery
Use of the most advanced imaging technique and 3D printing to improve precision in surgery
A/Prof Di Bella takes advantage of some of the most advanced intra-operative 3D images and 3D printing technologies to perform complex surgical procedures.
In some cases, when the tumour lies in areas of the body with difficult access or where the view is limited, the use of 3D computer assisted techniques allows the surgeon to precisely direct the instruments and to remove the tumor with adequate margins.
Ms Di Bella is one of few surgeons in Australia trained for the use of patient-specific 3D printed prosthesis as well as cutting guides to obtain the highest possible accuracy in surgery.
Bone Tumours
Treatment of benign and malignant bone tumours in patients of all ages
Bone tumours can either be benign or malignant (aggressive) and usually require some form of treatment. Benign tumours sometimes will only need to be followed up, but usually require surgery due to the fact that they can be associated with pain.
Malignant tumours (bone sarcomas) always require treatment, which can be surgery alone or surgery together with other treatments, such as chemotherapy or, rarely, radiotherapy.
Some malignant tumors start from internal organs (for example breast, prostate, kidney) and can involve the bone (metastasis), decreasing bone strength and causing fractures. Ms Di Bella collaborates with medical and radiation oncologists for the treatment of bone metastasis.
To read more about bone tumours:
3D Printed, Custom Made Prostheses
In some selected circumstances A/Prof Di Bella takes advantage of the most advanced technique is bio-engineering to reconstruct bone defects after tumor resection
Soft Tissue Tumours
Treatment of benign and malignant soft tissue tumours in patients of all ages
Soft tissue tumours, just like bone tumours, can either be benign or malignant. They usually occur as a growing, not painful mass in any part of the body, but occasionally they can be painful due to involvement of nerves or due to their nature.
Benign soft tissue tumours can be removed surgically, especially if painful or very big.
Malignant soft tissue tumours (sarcomas) always require treatment, which is usually the association of surgery with radiation therapy; chemotherapy is rarely necessary.
To read more about soft tissue tumours:
National Geographic
MIRACLE HOSPITAL
Ms Di Bella featured in Miracle Hospital, a TV series aired by National Geographic focusing on advanced technologies and innovative techniques in Medicine and Surgery.
Watch her interview here
