Evaluation and Treatment of Primary and Secondary Bone Cancer
Bone cancer is one of the many cancer types treated by the highly skilled doctors at Loyola Medicine. Our interdisciplinary team of doctors provides an integrated approach to diagnosis and treatment of bone cancer. We offer detailed evaluation and treatment for pediatric and adult patients with both malignant and benign tumors of the bones.
Bone cancer is classified as either primary (cancer that starts in the bone), or secondary (cancer that spreads to the bone from another part of the body). Cancer that spreads from another part of the body is also called metastatic cancer, and is named for the organ or tissue in which it began.
Some of the most common primary bone tumors are:
- Osteosarcoma
- Ewing sarcoma
- Chondrosarcoma
- Malignant fibrous histiocytoma
Why Choose Loyola for Bone Cancer Treatment?
Our orthopaedic oncology group brings an integrated approach to treating bone and soft-tissue tumors. Through a unique collaboration of an orthopaedic oncologist and other cancer specialists, your Loyola team works together to evaluate and diagnose your condition promptly—and look for options to remove the cancer while sparing the affected limb.
Loyola is also among the top 5 percent of healthcare organizations with the elite Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). This designation indicates that Loyola University Health System represents the highest standards for nursing excellence and quality of care for our patients. At Loyola, these standards create an environment that encourages innovation, embraces diversity, respects life and values human dignity while providing first-rate clinical care, education and research. This comprehensive approach to care affords our patients the best possible outcomes.
How is Bone Cancer Diagnosed?
Doctors at Loyola approach the diagnosis of bone cancer with great detail and care. Your personal and family medical history, symptoms, physical exam and imaging results could indicate the presence of bone cancer. However, clear diagnosis often requires a biopsy. Throughout the diagnostic process, Loyola is committed to providing compassionate care.
The diagnostic tests most often used to diagnose bone cancers are:
- X-rays
- CT scan (computed tomography)
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
- Radionuclide bone scans
- PET scan (positron emission tomography)
- Blood tests
- Biopsy
How is Bone Cancer Treated?
Bone cancer treatment is specific to each individual person and diagnosis, and depends on the type, size, location and stage of your cancer, as well as your age and overall physical health.
At Loyola, an interdisciplinary team of orthopaedic surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists work together to develop the most comprehensive plan that will result in the best outcome for you. Treatment options for bone cancer may include:
- Surgical resection with reconstruction
- Surgical stabilization (metastatic bone disease)
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
Depending on your specific cancer type, more than one treatment option may be used to provide the best possible outcome for your specific case.
Wherever possible, our orthopaedic oncology group will look for options to remove the cancer while avoiding amputation of the limb. With advances in chemotherapy regimens, surgical techniques and imaging, as many as 90 percent of patients can have limb-sparing surgery. Learn more about orthopaedic oncology.
