Orthopaedic Oncology

The Orthopaedic Oncology Center at MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper is a leader in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers of the bone and soft tissues. Each patient receives a comprehensive evaluation through our weekly tumor board where our medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, interventional radiologists, and musculoskeletal pathologists provide their expertise. 

Our commitment to your care means you’ll feel supported at every point during your treatment and recovery.

Who is Appropriate to be Seen at the Orthopaedic Oncology Cancer Center at Cooper?

Cancer: We specialize in the evaluation and treatment of cancers arising in bone, fat, muscle, nerve, and skin. We manage all areas of the body below the head and neck. Cancers in the pelvis and sacrum (tailbone) are of special interest and our team works together to provide the best recommendation for treatment.
Bone: If you have a diagnosis of cancer and have a lesion in the bone that is causing pain or discomfort, you should be evaluated by our team. Further, if you have a bone lesion found on imaging (X-ray, CAT scan or MRI), you could be seen to ensure it is not cancerous.
Soft Tissue Mass: If you have noticed a mass (“lump or bump”) in your arms, legs, chest or back, you should be evaluated by our team. Although many masses are not cancerous, without a proper evaluation, you cannot be sure. 
Non-Cancerous Growths: We evaluate and treat bone and soft tissue masses that are not cancers. Unfortunately, these masses can cause pain and discomfort and we can help treat them with surgery or minimally invasive techniques if possible.
Complex Limb Reconstruction: Our experts can evaluate and manage patients who have bone and soft tissue damage requiring complex reconstructions techniques.

Why Choose the Orthopaedic Oncology Center at MD Anderson Cancer Center?

Since 2013, we’ve partnered with MD Anderson Cancer Center, one of the nation’s top cancer hospitals to provide comprehensive and compassionate care. Our specialists are respected both regionally and nationally for our excellence in cancer care and orthopaedic surgery. You benefit from our:

• Experience: In a region that boasts some of the nation’s finest medical centers, our cancer and orthopaedic specialists have been recognized as “Top Doctors” by the regional media. Our team has expertise in both adult and pediatric bone and soft tissue masses and malignancies. Our specialists perform around 600 surgeries every year, more than any other center in the region. Our extensive experience means you can trust we’ll find the best treatment plan for you.

• Timeliness of Appointments: We understand that being told you have a new mass or bone lesion can be anxiety provoking. We want to help alleviate this anxiety by providing patients with the timely appointments. Patients with a new diagnosis of cancers to bone or soft tissue will be offered priority appointments. Call today at 856.361.1754 to make an appointment.

• In-Office Biopsy: When possible, we will perform biopsies of masses at the same time as your office visit, allowing expedited care.

• Specialty Care: Orthopaedic oncologists complete training in both orthopaedic surgery and cancer surgery. This specialty care is rare to find, and patients travel to our center from all over the country to be evaluated and treated. Any cancer or mass that is in the bone or soft tissue should be evaluated by our orthopaedic oncologists to ensure you are getting the best treatment.

• Team Approach: This takes a team of experts, and we have them all at the Orthopaedic Oncology Center. 

1. Medical Oncology Sarcoma team: We have dedicated cancer doctors who treat our bone and soft tissue cancer patients with the latest immunotherapy and chemotherapy.

2. Musculoskeletal Pathology: We have dedicated pathologists with special training in making the diagnosis of these rare bone and soft tissue tumors. It is easy to make the wrong diagnosis without special training.

3. Radiation Oncology: We have a dedicated team to treat bone and soft tissue cancers to minimize the effects of radiation to surrounding tissue. A state-of-the-art MRI-based radiation machine ensures accurate delivery of the radiation to the tumor.

4. Interventional Radiology: We have a dedicated team who can use the latest x-ray and CT imaging to accurately biopsy bone and soft tissue masses as well as treat some tumors with minimally invasive techniques, allowing early return to activity.

5. Advanced Practice Providers: We have a dedicated team in the hospital and office who help coordinate care across all specialties. This ensures timely scheduling of appointments to help you navigate a complex healthcare system.

• Access to Clinical Trials: With the backing of MD Anderson Cancer Center, one of the nation’s pioneers in medical oncology research and development, our doctors are active in a wide variety of clinical trials. All patients at MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper are candidates for promising, cutting-edge treatment options that may not be available anywhere else in the region.

• Full Range of Services: We recognize the emotional and psychological toll cancer can take on your life. To support you, we offer many services to help you manage life during diagnosis, treatment, and recovery including rehabilitation services after surgery. Read about our cancer care support services.

• Comprehensive Follow-up: Certain tumors and cancers can come back after treatment. Long-term follow-up is important, and our dedicated staff will ensure your follow-up is timely. We will work with you to manage your care as long as necessary.