Bone and Connective Tissue (Sarcoma) Cancer Program
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Bone and Connective Tissue (Sarcoma) Cancer Program
Extensive Experience Treating a Rare Cancer
Froedtert Hospital is regionally recognized for eight medical specialties, including cancer and orthopaedics. |
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To make an appointment or for more information, call 866-680-0505 or use our online form.
| Cancers of the bone and connective tissue, also called sarcomas, are very rare. Combined, they account for about 1 percent of all new cases of cancer. Because these malignancies occur infrequently, are unique in how they present and involve a complex array of treatment options, it is important that patients seek experienced care.
Sarcoma outcomes have been shown to be significantly improved when patients are cared for by a team of sarcoma specialists. As an academic medical center, Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin offer an interdisciplinary team of specialists to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Facts about Bone and Connective Tissue Cancer (Sarcoma)
Cancers of the bone and connective tissue affect people of all ages, and they can occur at any location throughout the body. They include tumors that develop in bone, muscle, tendons, nerves, blood vessels and fat. This is in contrast to the more common types of tumors known as carcinomas, which occur in tissues with glands. Bone and connective tissue tumors, also called musculoskeletal tumors, can also be benign.
Read the latest edition of The Sarcoma Connection, a newsletter focusing on advances in sarcoma research and care.
| Common bone and connective tissue tumors include:
The vast majority of primary sarcomas are curable. A patient's individual prognosis will depend on the size, histology grade, location of the tumor and whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
According to the National Cancer Institute, sarcomas located in body organs are hard to distinguish from other kinds of cancer and are frequently misdiagnosed.
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DiagnosisAn accurate diagnosis is a crucial first step in the effective treatment of bone and soft tissue sarcoma. The type of tumor, its grade and size, and whether it has spread are all factors that determine the stage and treatment plan. Diagnosis may involve X-rays, CT scans, MRIs or biopsies. Soft tissue sarcomas are notorious for mimicking carcinomas, melanomas and lymphomas. The confounding morphology of sarcoma often poses a significant challenge for diagnosis. Therefore, a sarcoma specimen should be reviewed by an experienced pathologist who specializes in sarcoma.
Patients with suspected bone or soft tissue sarcoma should receive a thorough evaluation and diagnostic workup before beginning any treatment. The rarity of the disease can limit knowledge about it. Medical College of Wisconsin physicians see a large volume of sarcoma patients, and have the expertise to confirm a cancer that can be difficult to diagnose. The team at Froedtert & The Medical College specializes in minimally invasive biopsy techniques that provide fast, accurate diagnoses of musculoskeletal tumors.
Treatment Approaches
Treatment for patients in the Bone and Connective Tissue Cancer Program centers on the person and the disease. World-class specialists from multiple disciplines collaborate on individualized plans that are developed to destroy the cancer and to preserve or restore function. The goal is to provide the right treatment, at the right time, to the right person.
The Clinical Cancer Center's hub model builds the entire care experience around patients. Dedicated program coordinators answer questions, address concerns, coordinate treatment and help you along in your journey. | The Bone and Connective Tissue Cancer Program’s interdisciplinary team consists of a wide complement of physicians who work together to provide optimal care. The team includes:
- Cancer surgeons (orthopaedic oncologists, thoracic surgeons, and surgical oncologists): specialize in removing cancerous tissue
- Interventional radiologists: perform image-guided procedures as part of diagnosis and treatment
- Medical oncologists: administer chemotherapy and other infused treatments
- Pathologists: process tissue samples and provide accurate diagnosis
- Physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians: focus on improving quality of life after cancer treatment
- Plastic and reconstructive surgeons: restore physical function and appearance
- Radiation oncologists: administer radiation therapy
- Radiologists: interpret images to assist in diagnosis; perform image-guided biopsies of musculoskeletal lesions
Sarcoma Tumor BoardAnother critical facet of the interdisciplinary care at Froedtert & The Medical College is the sarcoma tumor board. Physicians and other clinical staff from the interdisciplinary team gather weekly to review and discuss cases and determine treatment. They pool their collective experience, knowledge and research findings to arrive at the best approach for each patient. This is the kind of leading edge care patients will only find at an academic medical center such as Froedtert & The Medical College.
Complete Coordination and Full SupportThe physician team meets regularly to discuss every patient in the Bone and Connective Tissue Cancer Program. Working closely together, these specialists ensure each patient receives completely coordinated care that takes advantage of every appropriate treatment option.
A nurse coordinator works with every patient to coordinate physician consultations, tests, treatments, follow up care and support services.
The team encourages patients to participate actively in decision making. Because of the rarity of bone and connective tissue cancers (sarcomas), treatment paths must be carefully examined. Patient and family involvement in looking at options and recommendations is important for identifying the best overall treatment plan.
Patients in the program are often eligible to take part in clinical trials that provide access to new therapies and treatment approaches.
Sarcoma Support GroupPeople affected by a sarcoma diagnosis, as well as their spouses, family members, significant others and caregivers are welcome to attend our monthly support group to share information and experiences, as well as receive encouragement and support. This monthly support group offers periodic speakers and is also intended as an open forum. Visit our calendar or call for more information: 414-805-3666 or 800-272-3666.
Prompt Access to Experienced Physician TeamThe physicians of the Bone and Connective Tissue Cancer Program are committed to providing patients with prompt access to consultation and treatment. Whenever possible, new patients are seen within one week of referral.
To learn more about the Bone and Connective Tissue Cancer Program or make an appointment, please contact us online or call 414-805-0505 (toll-free 866-680-0505).
Author: Bob Schultz Date: May 23, 2012 Last Review Date: May 9, 2013 Online Editor(s): Shannon Krause |
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