Orthopaedic oncology

Orthopaedic oncology, sometimes referred to as ortho oncology, manages the finding and treating of tumors and cancers in the bones, cartilage, muscles, and other soft tissues in the body, known as sarcomas. Because sarcomas are rare compared to other forms of cancer, they are often misdiagnosed and assumed to be sports injuries, arthritis, or benign bumps. It’s important to find care providers who are highly trained and experienced in this specialized area to ensure an accurate diagnosis.

The team at Penn Medicine’s Orthopaedic Oncology Program helps you get reliable answers as quickly as possible. Our orthopaedic oncologists specialize in tumors found in bones and soft tissues including blood vessels, cartilage, fat, ligaments, lymph vessels, muscles, nerves, and tendons. When needed, our orthopaedic oncology surgeons collaborate with other Penn Medicine surgeons to remove bone or soft tissue tumors found on the spine or in the chest, belly, head, or neck.

At Penn Medicine, our Orthopaedic Oncology team diagnoses and treats all types of sarcomas. Our program offers the most comprehensive and experienced sarcoma team in the region, with more than 40 years of combined experience in orthopaedic oncology and full-time scientists studying sarcoma. We work with experts in medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, plastic surgery, radiology, and pathology.

Orthopaedic oncology expertise in treating bone metastases

Cancer from other parts of the body can spread (metastasize) to the bones. These tumors are much more common than cancer that starts in bones. They are most often found in the bones of the spine and can also occur frequently in the bones of the arms, legs, pelvis, and ribs.

Our orthopaedic oncologists provide care for affected bones in the arms, legs, and pelvis. They work closely with the other specialists from Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center and Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute treating the original site of cancer.

Ruling out cancer and treating benign tumors

Abnormalities in the bones are called “lesions,” and those in the soft tissues are called lumps or masses. Most bone lesions and soft tissue lumps are benign (noncancerous). Some are caused by inflammation or another condition such as metabolic bone disease, while others are tumors that may grow slowly but not spread. Some are fluid-filled pockets called cysts. While such lesions and lumps are not cancerous, they still require proper evaluation and may also need treatment. Our Orthopaedic Oncology team excels in the diagnosis and care of both cancerous and benign bone and soft tissue growths.

A lifetime of care: Orthopaedic oncology for all ages

Our program helps people of all ages, in partnership with the Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor Program at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), when appropriate. If your child has treatment at CHOP, there is a seamless transition to follow-up care with Penn Medicine as they get older.