Sarcoma

To test for sarcomas or determine the extent of their growth (stage), your doctor may refer you to an oncology specialist who may:

• Perform a physical exam to understand your symptoms better and help with diagnosis
• Recommend imaging tests, such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized tomography (CT) scans, bone scans and positron emission tomography (PET) scans
• Remove a tissue sample for testing (biopsy) to determine cancer type, malignancy and treatment options

Surgery to remove the tumor (and sometimes surrounding tissue) is the most common treatment option for sarcoma. Depending on the disease’s location or progression, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be recommended. Specifically, some treatments for sarcoma include:

• Limb-sparing surgery, known as limb salvage, is a procedure used to remove a tumor without compromising the use or appearance of the extremity itself.
• Chemotherapy uses drugs to target or attack cancer cells.
• Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays or other particles to destroy cancer cells.

Our sarcoma specialists will work with you to find the most effective treatment approach. If needed, we offer innovative reconstructive options with allograph procedures or custom implant design for advanced cases of sarcoma requiring full or partial amputation. Pediatric experts are also available for children requiring special care during surgery and growing prosthesis.

Cancer can form in the bone or spread to the bone from another place in the body. Primary bone cancer is cancer that starts in the bone tissue. Secondary, or metastatic, bone cancer happens when cancer cells from a primary tumor in another part of the body move to the bone. Our orthopedic surgeons have extensive experience in managing metastatic bone tumors and will work with other specialists, as needed, for the best approach or treatment.

Our sarcoma program provides a multidisciplinary approach, combining guidance from specialists and features from both our orthopedic care and cancer care departments. In addition to highly competent care, we offer extensive education, surgical services and rehabilitative programs to meet your needs wherever you are in your treatment journey.