Types of Bone Cancer We Treat
Bone cancer is a rare type of cancer, but our Cancer Care team has significant experience treating patients with these conditions including:
- Osteosarcoma. The most common type of bone cancer, osteosarcoma often affects the long bones of the arms and legs. It is most common in children, teens and young adults.
- Chondrosarcoma. This bone cancer is most often found in the bones of the hip, pelvis and shoulder and primarily affects adults.
- Chordoma. This type of bone cancer is also more common in adults and generally occurs at the base of the skull or the spine.
- Ewing sarcoma. A tumor that can affect any bone, Ewing sarcoma is found most in the hip bones, ribs and long bones. It occurs most often in children, teens and young adults.
Symptoms & Diagnosis
Bone cancer can feel like or lead to:
- Pain in the affected bone
- Bone fractures
- Swelling near the tumor
- Tingling, numbness or weakness around the affected area
You know your body better than anyone. If you think you are feeling any of these bone cancer symptoms, reach out to your primary care doctor so we can learn more about what might be causing them.
We use imaging exams such as X-rays, CT scans and MRIs to diagnose bone cancer. If these exams are abnormal, we take a tissue sample (biopsy) from your tumor.
If these tests find cancer, we refer you for a cancer consultation with an oncologist who specializes in treating bone cancer. This expert reviews your test results and medical history to learn more about your diagnosis and form a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
We know learning you have bone cancer can feel scary. That’s why we are committed to seeing you for a cancer consultation as quickly as possible — often within 48 hours — after your diagnosis so we can discuss treatment options, order additional tests and address any questions without delay.
Treatments
No two people are alike — and neither are two bone cancers. That’s why you deserve a personalized care plan tailored to your needs and your type of bone cancer. Each week, the Cancer Care team convenes a tumor board that brings together experts from across disciplines to collaborate on customized care plans for you. This collaboration has one common goal — to make sure you get the best possible care. Our multidisciplinary team of specialists, including orthopedic surgeons, pathologists and radiologists who work alongside surgical, medical and radiation oncologists, is here to care for you through every part of your treatment.
Surgery
Radiation
In addition to surgery, your cancer care team may recommend radiation treatment to eliminate your bone cancer. Radiation oncologists at our Radiation Treatment Center have treated thousands of patients. Our state-of-the-art radiation treatments, including stereotactic radiosurgery, adaptive radiation therapy and intensity-modulated radiation therapy, treat bone cancer with speed and precision.
Clinical Trials
We are always looking for the next opportunity to improve detection, ease treatment and find better cures for your bone cancer. That’s why we collaborate with other medical centers and the National Cancer Institute on bone cancer clinical trials ranging from innovative surgical approaches to immunomodulation to chemotherapy modifications.
If you’re interested in participating in this leading-edge research, talk to your care team to find a study that’s right for you.
Cancer Awards & Accreditations
Our superior Cancer Care has earned us a three-year accreditation as a comprehensive community cancer program from the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons (ACS). Accreditation ensures that the care you receive right here in your community is high-quality and uses evidence-based, national treatment guidelines.
We’re also an ACS Surgical Quality Partner and committed to the highest surgery standards.
Patients rate us highly, too. Based on PressGaney patient satisfaction surveys, our “likeliness to recommend” score is over 90%, and we’ve won the top patient experience award multiple years in a row.
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Cancer Patient Stories
You are our inspiration. Hear how El Camino Health Cancer Center has helped other patients beat cancer — and how we can support you at every step of the way.
