Bone cancer

Bone cancer care in Denver

Bone cancer, or malignant bone tumors, are masses or growths that tend to increase rapidly in size. They often have the ability to spread to other parts of the body.

At HealthONE, our doctors have advanced training to accurately detect and diagnose bone cancers. If bone cancer is detected, we provide access to a wide range of advanced treatment options to help patients heal.

For more information about cancer diagnosis, treatment and other services, call askSARAH at (303) 253-3225.

How to detect bone cancer

Most bone cancers begin with a concern about a lesion. The lesion is often in an organ or tissue that has suffered damage through injury or disease, such as a wound, ulcer, abscess or tumor.

If a lesion is suspected, our multidisciplinary team collaborates to determine whether a biopsy of the lesion is necessary. A biopsy will allow our doctors to find out if bone cancer is present.

Diagnosing bone cancer

If a biopsy is needed, a patient may have their biopsy administered at our facility, or they may be referred to an interventional radiologist. Most bone biopsies are minimally invasive and completed using a needle. On rare occasion, an open biopsy (surgery) is needed to make a diagnosis. Results from biopsies are typically ready within 48 hours.

Types of bone cancer we treat

We treat all types of bone and soft tissue tumors, both benign and malignant.

These include:

• Adamantinoma bone cancer
• Chondrosarcoma
• Chordoma bone cancer
• Ewing's sarcoma
• Fibrosarcoma
• Giant cell tumors
• Multiple myeloma
• Osteogenic sarcoma
• Osteosarcoma

Chondrosarcoma

Chondrosarcoma is a cancerous tumor composed of cartilage. They are seen frequently in patients 50 years old or older, although they can be found in any age group.

Symptoms typically include pain, a lump or a fracture due to thinning of the bone. Chondrosarcomas are often seen within the bone and commonly affect the spine or pelvis, but they can occur in an arm or leg. Once the diagnosis is made, chest X-rays are taken to determine the stage of the tumor. A bone scan may be done because this cancer is likely to spread to the lungs.

Treatment consists of surgically removing the tumor. Radiation and chemotherapy have not shown to be effective against this type of tumor.

Bone cancer treatment

After a diagnosis is provided, our doctors discuss individual care options for the patient, including prognosis and treatment plans.

The most common treatments for bone cancer include:

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Surgery
• Targeted therapy

Pelvic stabilization

At Presbyterian/St. Luke's Medical Center, patients with pelvic deterioration due to bone cancer and/or radiation therapy can find strength and comfort in the breakthrough surgical technique, pelvic stabilization. Percutaneous pelvic stabilization is a revolutionary surgery option that offers a better quality of life to patients who have lost mobility and endure pain due to diseased or irradiated bone.

Partnering with the Institute for Limb Preservation, our interventional radiologists and orthopedic surgeons use a minimally invasive approach to treat bone cancer near the pelvic region. Often in combination with radiation therapy, your surgeon will mechanically stabilize the affected area, providing pain relief and improved function for people who traditionally had few palliative options.