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Orthopedic Oncology

Advanced cancer treatment & limb preservation.

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or call us at 484-526-1735

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Expert treatment for bone & soft tissue cancers

A cancer diagnosis involving the bones, muscles, or soft tissues can be life-changing. At St. Luke’s, we provide advanced, compassionate, and personalized care to help patients fight primary and metastatic bone tumors. Our orthopedic oncology specialist, one of the few in the nation, offers cutting-edge treatments and surgical innovations to preserve mobility and improve quality of life.

Common bone & soft tissue cancers we treat

Our orthopedic oncology team diagnoses and treats a full range of musculoskeletal cancers, including:

  • Primary bone sarcomas (osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, Ewing’s sarcoma): Rare but aggressive bone cancers
  • Soft tissue sarcomas (liposarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, Synovial sarcoma): Cancers of muscles, tendons, and connective tissues
  • Metastatic bone cancer: Cancer that has spread from other parts of the body (breast, lung, prostate)
  • Giant cell tumor of bone: Locally aggressive bone tumors requiring specialized care

When should you see an orthopedic oncologist?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:

  • Unexplained bone pain that worsens at night
  • Swelling or a lump in the muscles, joints, or bones
  • Frequent fractures with minimal trauma
  • Difficulty moving due to pain or stiffness
  • Unintended weight loss & fatigue with bone pain
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Non-surgical cancer treatments

Many bone and soft tissue cancers can be managed without surgery. Our specialists collaborate with oncologists and radiation experts to offer:

  • Chemotherapy & targeted therapy: Treats cancer at a molecular level
  • Radiation therapy: Shrinks tumors before surgery or controls pain
  • Immunotherapy & clinical trials: Advanced treatments for select cases

Advanced surgical options for orthopedic cancer

If non-surgical treatments aren’t effective, our expert orthopedic oncologist performs advanced limb-sparing and reconstructive surgeries, including:

  • Tumor resection & reconstruction: Removes cancerous tissue while preserving function
  • Limb salvage surgery: Replaces affected bone with prosthetic implants or grafts
  • Soft tissue reconstruction: Restores mobility after tumor removal
  • Minimally invasive biopsy & surgery: Ensures accurate diagnosis with less downtime

Orthopedic oncology frequently asked questions

They handle both cancerous and non-cancerous musculoskeletal tumors.

Most benign tumors remain non-cancerous, but some require monitoring or removal to prevent complications.

Recovery depends on the type of surgery but can range from several weeks to months, followed by rehabilitation.

Whenever possible, limb-preserving techniques are used to maintain function and quality of life.

No, most benign bone tumors do not become cancerous, although there are exceptions. Doctors usually monitor benign tumors with imaging tests to ensure they don’t change over time.

No, many patients are referred for evaluation of benign conditions.

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Begin your healing journey.

If you’re facing bone or soft tissue cancer, let us help. Connect with a St. Luke’s orthopedic oncologist and start your path to recovery.