Sarcoma treatment almost always centers around removing the tumor with surgery that is often complex and requires a careful approach.
At Penn Medicine, you have access to a range of highly experienced and specialized surgeons for sarcoma removal, giving you the best chance of a cure. Our team includes top surgeons from multiple disciplines that each have a particular sarcoma focus, including orthopaedic oncologists, surgical oncologists, neurosurgeons, and plastic surgeons. These specialists work together to plan and perform tumor removals and restore areas where they have operated, while maintaining as much of your function and quality of life as possible.
Types of Sarcoma Surgery by Area
Taking sarcomas out in one piece (known as en bloc removal or wide resection) provides the best outcome. Our surgeons perform en bloc surgery whenever possible, taking a little extra healthy tissue beyond the edges of the tumor. Following these steps greatly reduces the chance that cancer will return in the same location.
The additional surgical approaches we take depends on the location of the tumor:
Limb-Sparing Sarcoma Surgery in the Arms and Legs
Our team of orthopaedic oncologists and reconstructive surgeons is able to save limbs about 90 percent of the time, effectively removing tumors in the arms and legs while preserving function and appearance. We achieve this result even with complex and large sarcomas, which is not the case at all healthcare institutions when it comes to sarcoma surgery.
We also work to provide you with full limb function upon recovery, without pain. Ideally, we want to get you back to the function and mobility you had before your cancer diagnosis.
While our preference is always to spare limbs, there are times when we recommend amputation in order to remove the sarcoma completely, to preserve critical structures, or more effectively treat the cancer. In such cases, we will help you prepare for what to expect and provide full support to help you recover and adapt as quickly as possible.
Sarcoma Surgery in the Retroperitoneum
Sarcoma removal in the retroperitoneum (the space in the back of the belly) is often complex. Surgeries frequently involve the colon, kidneys, spleen, or pancreas.
Our surgical oncologists partner with orthopaedic oncologists, neurosurgeons, vascular surgeons, and plastic surgeons for team surgeries as needed. Our team protects blood vessels and tries to preserve organ function as much as possible. If surgeries do involve the organs, we work to minimize the impact on your daily life and support your recovery.
Minimally Invasive Sarcoma Surgery in the Head and Neck
Head and neck surgeons often perform TransOral Robotic Surgery (TORS) to remove sarcomas. They work to minimize the potential impact of the operation on speaking, chewing, and swallowing. If you do experience side effects, we coordinate care with dietitians and speech and language therapists.
Removal of Sarcomas in the Spine and Skull Base
The spine contains sensitive nerves that control body parts such as the arms, legs, bladder, and bowels. Removing tumors in the spine and skull base (bottom of the skull) in one piece requires particular skill and expertise.
Operating in these complex locations involves careful planning and teamwork. Our team plans surgeries using 3D visualization. We also discuss possible impacts on function with you before proceeding. Depending on the location of your tumor, you may be cared for by a neurosurgeon as well as other specialized surgeons who will repair nerves or transfer them from other parts of the body or from donors. Physical therapists and orthotists can provide additional services for rehabilitation after surgery.
Our neurosurgeons typically use minimally invasive approaches to reduce the risk of complications. For upper spine and skull base sarcomas, they may use TORS, which allows them to access areas that are difficult to reach. When appropriate, they use GPS-like navigation during operations to make precise cuts.
Removing the Uterus to Treat Sarcoma
If you are diagnosed with a uterine sarcoma, our team usually recommends a total hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and cervix) as part of treatment. An experienced Penn Medicine gynecologic oncologist performs the operation and oversees your care. We take careful steps to keep incisions small, while still keeping the cancer from contaminating other areas.
We may also recommend removing the ovaries and fallopian tubes in certain cases.
Removing Pelvic Tumors
Removing tumors in the pelvis is complex, particularly if surgeons need to take out both soft tissue and bone. Our surgeons do their best to preserve mobility, using minimally invasive procedures such as laparoscopy or robotic-assisted surgery when appropriate.
Treating Sarcomas That Weren’t Removed Properly
Sometimes people seek our care after they’ve had surgery to take out a lump or bump that was previously misdiagnosed. Such removals happen when the tumor is mistaken for a noncancerous growth.
If you had a sarcoma that wasn’t taken out properly, you may need a second surgery with the possible addition of radiation therapy. Our team works to manage the risk of cancer spread or recurrence in such cases.
What to Expect After Sarcoma Surgery
If you choose to have sarcoma surgery, you can expect to:
- Start recovering after leaving the operating room: Some people can have outpatient surgery; other may need to stay in the hospital for about two to six days after their operations.
- Continue healing outside the hospital: Some people are discharged from the hospital and go straight home, while others may need to go to a rehabilitation hospital to continue recovery. We may arrange for a nurse or physical therapist to come to your home to help you with your surgical bandages or mobility. Our team will also call to check in, review care instructions, and answer questions. You can always reach us by phone or through the MyChart by myPennMedicine patient portal.
- Come back for follow-up appointments: You’ll return two to three weeks after surgery to check on the incision and healing. From there, you’ll come back to the office every few months for scans to make sure the cancer hasn’t returned. You’re asked to follow that schedule for the first two years, with less frequent visits after that.
Why Choose Penn Medicine for Sarcoma Surgery?
At Penn Medicine, we start by thoroughly evaluating suspicious lumps and bumps in soft tissues and lesions in bones. Diagnostic specialists carefully examine scans and tissue samples, to provide an accurate sarcoma diagnosis and determine appropriate treatment recommendations.
When you receive surgery as part of your sarcoma treatment, we offer:
- Expertise: Our surgeons are national leaders in sarcoma care, treating hundreds of sarcoma patients each year. We successfully remove sarcomas in the most complex cases and in the most sensitive areas, seeking to remove enough tissue to reduce the chance that cancer returns. We are also equipped to help if your sarcoma was not removed properly the first time.
- Collaboration: Many sarcomas need additional treatment to ensure cancer does not return. Our surgeons work closely with other specialists on our team, and all cases go before a weekly tumor board. At these meetings, the team collaborates to determine the best recommendations for your care. We also work with other surgeons across Penn Medicine when needed, including colorectal, gastrointestinal, gynecologic, head and neck, thoracic, and vascular surgeons.
- Patient-centered approach: We value your ability to use your body the way you expect. We work to understand your preferences, take steps to preserve your function, and make sure you understand possible treatment side effects.
Make an Appointment
Please call 800-789-7366 or make an appointment.
The Penn Sarcoma Program offers same-day appointments to patients who have their imaging available. To learn more, call 215-349-8200.