Personalized orthopedic oncology surgical care
When you choose Ascension Medical Group Via Christi, you get a multidisciplinary team of doctors, prioritizing early and customized treatment: board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon trained in oncology, radiologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, a care navigator, and a dedicated team of oncology nurses. Our experienced orthopedic surgeon is part of a national team of doctors, sharing best practices and advanced treatment options for bone cancer, and sarcomas, tumors that start in the soft tissue of the muscle, tendons, fat, lymph nodes, blood vessels and nerves. We bring the best of orthopedic-oncology care to you, close to home.
Bone and soft tissue tumors are a rare form of cancer. They can be benign (unable to spread), or they can spread to other parts of the body, which is life-threatening.
When you’re going through cancer care, we’re by your side
Cancer is personal, so is the way we care for you. When you choose Ascension Via Christi Cancer Care, you’re never alone. You’ll have face-to-face visits with your doctor, and you’ll have an entire care team, dedicated to your care – connecting the dots for you. Your doctor and care navigator will take the time to answer all your questions – big and small. By getting to know you and working together, you get a care plan that’s customized to your needs. And with a plan, comes hope. Our goal is to help you recover faster so you can get back to home, family, life and self.
Specialty care from orthopedic and oncology specialists
At Ascension Via Christi, we are a regional leader in orthopedic oncology. Our multidisciplinary team includes an orthopedic surgeon specialty trained in oncology, cancer care navigator and a dedicated team of oncology nurses and cancer specialists.
At Ascension Via Christi, our experienced orthopedic surgeon specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of benign and cancerous bone and soft tissue tumors. He uses the latest surgical techniques to manage fractures, and performs total joint reconstruction, including revision surgery.
Signs of bone and sarcoma cancer
Talk to your doctor if you have bone pain or a mass (or bulge) on your skin that does not go away. Signs of bone cancer can include pain in the bone and swelling that may come and go, and become worse at night, and is not helped by over-the-counter pain relievers, and:
- Anemia
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Unexplained bone fractures
- Weight loss
Symptoms of soft tissue sarcoma are cancers that start in soft tissues and can develop anywhere in the body but are found mostly in the arms, legs, chest, and abdomen. A sign of soft tissue sarcoma is a lump or swelling in soft tissue of the body.
These symptoms can also come from other, less serious conditions.
- Pain in the area of the tumor
- Aching and discomfort that may worsen at night, and sometimes increases with activity
- Fever and night sweats
Diagnosis begins by first looking at your medical history and for any family history of cancer. In addition to a physical examination, an X-ray or MRI may be used.
Bone and soft tissue tumors that are benign may heal on their own. If you aren’t experiencing symptoms, they may be simply monitored as you age. Sometimes minor surgery can be used to treat them. If they are painful and left untreated, it could lead to fractures or other injury of the bone or surrounding tissue.
Treatment of malignant tumors may require drugs, radiation therapy and/or surgery, depending on your situation. When surgery is needed, we aim for complete removal of the tumor and as little surrounding tissue as possible. If the rumor has invaded surrounding blood vessels and nerves, amputation may be necessary.
Benefits of choosing us for orthopedic surgical care
Your surgeon works with you and your cancer care team as one care team and stays connected throughout your care and your recovery.
Choosing Ascension Via Christi for your surgical care means:
- Highly experienced orthopedic-oncology surgeon performs the latest surgical techniques in well-equipped surgery suites.
- Minimally invasive technology – including image-guided surgery and robotic surgery are available on-site.
- Your care is coordinated from pre-operative testing and consultations to recovery.
- If you need additional imaging, lab testing, pharmacy or specialists, we’ll help connect the dots for your care.
- Access to personalized wound healing services, and rehabilitation and physical therapy after surgery, if needed.
Team approach helps navigate tests and support services
Along the way, your care may require imaging, lab tests, pharmacy support, physical therapy or other specialists. You do not have to navigate your care alone. Upon your cancer diagnosis, or when you come to us during your cancer care, you’re paired with a cancer care navigator. Your care team will help you schedule appointments and connect with other services you need. When you have a concern or feel unsure, don’t hesitate to talk with your care team..
CALL - 316-268-5858 - CANCER CARE NAVIGATOR
Get a second opinion on your bone tumor or cancer care plan
Get the confidence and peace of mind that your doctor and care plan are right for you. It's easy to get a second opinion at Ascension Via Christi. We can review your medical records and healthcare history to answer your questions and discuss options. Talk with one of our doctors about a personalized care plan.
When you are facing a new bone cancer diagnosis or are deciding on a treatment plan, there’s a lot to think about. Our orthopedic oncology specialist can provide a second opinion, based on our experience and as part of a national team.
Before your appointment, check with your insurance company to find out if a second opinion is covered. We can request your medical records on your behalf so they can be shared with your care team before your arrival.
