Orthopedic Oncology
Orthopedic Oncology at UVM Health
Bone and soft tissue tumors are growths that form in your body’s bones, muscles, tendons, cartilage and fat cells. Depending on the tumor location, these growths can cause a range of symptoms, including joint stiffness, nerve damage and digestive problems. Even benign (noncancerous) tumors can grow and press on surrounding tissues, causing complications. Treating these rare tumors requires the expertise of surgeons and oncologists with specialized training in orthopedic oncology.
University of Vermont Health is the only health system in Vermont and northern New York that provides orthopedic oncology treatment. We offer collaborative, state-of-the-art care in a compassionate and supportive environment that minimizes complications and improves your quality of life.
Our team delivers a full range of therapies with an empathetic, caring approach. You can trust our skills and expertise to bring you the most effective treatment available.
Why Choose UVM Health?
As the only orthopedic oncology program in the region, we offer:
- Team approach: Bone and soft tissue tumor care can be complicated. Our multispecialty team of radiology, surgical pathology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology and orthopedic oncology specialists works together to make sure you receive the most effective treatment possible. Our specialists meet regularly to discuss patients’ needs and create tailored treatment plans. A dedicated nurse coordinator schedules the care you need quickly and seamlessly.
- Care close to home: You don’t have to travel outside of Vermont or northern New York for state-of-the-art treatment. Our fellowship-trained orthopedic oncology surgeons provide the highest level of care for both cancerous and noncancerous bone and soft tissue tumors. We expertly and safely remove these tumors so they don’t grow and cause complications.
- Research emphasis: As part of a health system anchored by an academic medical center, our physician-leaders are active researchers, many of whom are training the next generation of experts. We are at the forefront of orthopedic care, often presenting our research at national meetings and staying up to date on the latest technologies and treatments.
I am impressed with the whole experience and the kindness expressed by the staff. It helps tremendously when you are ill to have peace of mind.
Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors We Treat
We treat all types of bone and soft tissue tumors, including:
- Angiosarcoma: Growths that start in the lymphatic or blood vessels
- Chondrosarcoma: Growths that start in the cartilage
- Fibrosarcoma: Growths that start in connective tissue cells (fibroblasts)
- Hemangioma: Irregular growths made up of blood vessels
- Liposarcoma: Growths that start in fat cells
- Metastatic bone and soft tissue tumors: Cancer that spreads to the bones or soft tissues from elsewhere in the body. Breast, lung, prostate, kidney and thyroid cancers are the cancers that most commonly spread to bones or soft tissues.
- Osteosarcoma: Growths that start in the bones
Orthopedic Oncology Services
Our coordinated team provides the full range of necessary services. Your treatment plan for a bone or soft tissue tumor may include:
A specialist takes a small bone or soft tissue sample. A pathologist then examines the tissue sample to learn more about the tumor, including whether it’s cancerous.
You may need to take chemotherapy drugs, medications that destroy fast-growing cells. Whether you need chemotherapy depends on several factors, including the type of tumor and how advanced it is.
Radiation therapy uses intense, focused radiation to shrink and destroy cancer cells. You may need radiation therapy alone or in addition to other treatments, such as surgery.
During a surgical excision, we completely remove the tumor and possibly a small portion of surrounding tissue. Our surgeons use advanced, limb-sparing techniques to preserve your function.
Clinical Trials
The UVM Cancer Center supports more than 100 active clinical trials focused on prevention, screening, treatment, supportive care and survivorship.
