AI Overview
Bone Cancer Care | Area of Expertise | UAMS Health
An orthopedist often discovers bone cancer, initially presenting as persistent pain, swelling, or a mass, leading to X-rays and scans that reveal suspicious lesions, prompting referral to an orthopedic oncologist for biopsy and definitive diagnosis, with treatment involving surgery, chemo/radiation, and multidisciplinary care. These specialists manage both primary bone cancers (like osteosarcoma) and metastatic bone disease (cancer spread from elsewhere).
How an Orthopedist Gets Involved
Patient Symptoms: A patient sees an orthopedic doctor for ongoing bone pain, a noticeable lump, or a fracture (pathologic fracture) that doesn't heal right.
Initial Imaging: The orthopedist orders X-rays or MRI, which may show an abnormal area (lesion) in the bone.
Referral: If the imaging is concerning, the patient is referred to an orthopedic oncologist, a surgeon specializing in bone tumors.
Orthopedic Oncologist's Role
Further Imaging: More detailed scans (CT, MRI) to see the tumor's extent.
Biopsy: The crucial step of taking a tissue sample (needle or surgical) for lab analysis to confirm cancer and type.
Diagnosis & Treatment Planning: Determining if it's primary bone cancer or canc
er that spread (metastasis).
Surgery: Performing limb-salvage surgery to remove tumors or complex procedures for fractures.
Common Types of Bone Cancer
Osteosarcoma: Most common primary bone cancer, often in teens/young adults, forming new bone tissue.
Ewing Sarcoma: In bones and soft tissues, common in kids/teens.
Chondrosarcoma: Starts in cartilage, more common in adults.
Metastatic Bone Disease
Cancer from other parts of the body (breast, prostate, etc.) spreads to the bone, causing pain and weakening. Orthopedic oncologists manage these lesions and prevent fractures.
Orthopedic Oncology - Overview - Mayo Clinic
Oct 18, 2023 — Metastatic bone disease: Key strengths at Mayo Clinic Among patients with metastatic cancer, bones may become affected...
Mayo Clinic
Bone Cancer Diagnosis
Possible bone cancer symptoms, such as a complaint of a mass or pain, that leads your primary care physician to conduct a physical...
The University of Kansas Cancer Center
Metastatic Bone Disease - Orthopedic Oncology - HSS
Oct 18, 2020 — How is metastatic bone disease diagnosed? Suspicious lesions in the bone can be identified with X-ray, CT, or MRI scan...
HSS | Hospital for Special Surgery
