Orthopedic Oncology Q&A

What is orthopedic oncology?

Orthopedic oncology is a highly specialized field that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of tumors and cysts in the muscles, bones, and soft tissues (cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and nerves).

The Dallas Limb Restoration Center also specializes in complex joint revisions and treating joint replacement infections.

What conditions do orthopedic oncologists treat?

The expert orthopedic oncologists at The Dallas Limb Restoration Center treat every type of musculoskeletal tumor, whether they’re benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancer), including: 

  • Osteosarcoma
  • Chondrosarcoma
  • Ewing sarcoma
  • Rhabdomyosarcoma
  • Malignant fibrous histiocytoma
  • Fibrosarcoma
  • Synovial sarcoma 
  • Enchondroma
  • Chondroblastoma
  • Osteoblastoma
  • Bone cysts
  • Osteoid osteoma
  • Osteochondroma
  • Giant cell tumor
  • Neurofibroma
  • Adamantinoma 
  • Multiple myeloma

Tumors may not cause significant symptoms unless they affect nerves or get large enough to push against the surrounding tissues.

What services do orthopedic oncologists provide?

As part of your oncology team, The Dallas Limb Restoration Center team explains your cancer treatment options, oversees chemotherapy, radiation, IV medications, and immunotherapy, and provides pain management.

In addition to diagnosing and surgically removing tumors, orthopedic oncologists restore optimal strength and function by repairing damaged tissues, salvaging limbs, and performing reconstructive surgery.

Reconstructive surgery

The Dallas Limb Restoration Center team rebuilds the musculoskeletal tissues damaged by cancer or removed during surgery. Two examples of reconstructive surgery include using implants to restore muscles and performing bone, tendon, and skin grafts.

Limb preservation surgery

The team specializes in salvaging limbs that other physicians believe are so damaged they require amputation.

Limb salvage begins by removing the tumor while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. However, the process is incredibly complex and involves challenges like microsurgery to reconnect nerves and blood vessels and tissue replacement or reconstruction.

What happens during an orthopedic oncology consultation?

Your provider reviews your medical history and does a thorough exam. Depending on your exam results, they may run blood tests, order X-rays or an MRI, or schedule other diagnostic tests.

If you have a tumor, they take the next step, performing a biopsy or using advanced imaging techniques to determine its type, size, grade (how fast it’s growing or spreading), and precise location. Then, they discuss your treatment options.

No matter where you are on your journey, you can depend on The Dallas Limb Restoration Center to provide personalized care and expert treatment.

Call the office or request an orthopedic oncology consultation online today.