Orthopedic Oncology
Orthopedic oncology is the cancer specialty related to tumors that affect bone, muscle and other soft tissue. Orthopedic oncologists are orthopedic surgeons with advanced training who specialize in diagnosing and treating:
- primary bone cancer (cancer that begins in the bone)
- soft tissue sarcomas
- cancers that spread to the bone
- orthopedic problems related to or caused by cancer
The orthopedic oncologist determines the best way to remove the cancer and performs the surgery to do so. In the process, he or she conducts any necessary reconstructive surgery to restore mobility, relieve symptoms and salvage the limb, if possible. The orthopedic oncologist coordinates any follow-up treatment, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, with other specialists on your cancer care team and helps manage pain related to the cancer and its treatment. The goal of the program is to help you fight cancer, while also helping to relieve pain, preserve mobility and improve your overall quality of life.
Because of the rarity of primary bone tumors, there are less than 150 orthopedic oncologists in the country, and the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center is proud to have an orthopedic oncologist on staff to offer this highly specialized care to our patients.