Author: Matthew Wells, DO
What is an Orthopaedic Oncologist?
An orthopedic oncologist is a specially trained orthopedic surgeon who focuses on diagnosing and treating benign and malignant (cancerous) tumors that involve the bones or soft tissues (like muscles, fat, or tendons). These tumors may start in the bone or soft tissue—such as sarcomas—or may have spread to the bone from another part of the body, like the lungs, breast, or prostate (metastases). Orthopedic oncologists are also experts in complex surgeries that rebuild joints or save a limb when a tumor affects movement or bone strength.
These surgeons care for both children and adults, working closely with a team of specialists to provide personalized care for each patient.
Why do I need to see an Orthopaedic Oncologist?
You were likely referred to an Orthopaedic Oncologist for one of three reasons.
- You may have a tumor in your bone or soft tissue. This could be either non-cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant, such as a sarcoma).
- You may have cancer in another part of your body—like the lungs, breast, or prostate—that has spread to your bones. This is called bone metastasis, and it can sometimes cause pain or weaken the bone.
- You may not have a tumor, but you might need a complex surgery to repair or replace a joint, or to save a limb that has been damaged by a different condition or injury.
Orthopedic oncologists are trained to handle these kinds of conditions and will work with you to create the best treatment plan for your specific needs.
How should I prepare for the first appointment with my Orthopedic Oncologist?
- An updated list of medications to show the doctor (including any current chemotherapy medications)
- An updated list of prior surgeries and when they were performed
- Previous pathology reports if available
- The name and contact information for your medical oncologist
- Any diagnostic imaging (i.e., X-rays, CT scans, MRIs) on a CD with the report, if performed at an outside hospital system or radiology center
What should I ask my Orthopaedic Oncologist?
It’s completely normal to have questions when you're seeing an Orthopedic Oncologist for the first time. Asking the right questions can help you better understand your condition and feel more confident about your care.
If you've been diagnosed with a bone or soft tissue tumor, consider asking:
- What type of tumor do I have?
- Is it benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous)?
- How common is this type of tumor?
- Do we know what may have caused it?
- Do I need a biopsy? If yes, how is the biopsy done, and where will it be performed?
- Will I need surgery? If so:
- What will the surgery involve?
- How long will recovery take?
- How might the surgery affect my movement or daily activities?
- Will I need other treatments like radiation or chemotherapy? If yes:
- When would these treatments start?
- What are the possible side effects?
- Will I need physical therapy after treatment?
- How often will I need follow-up visits or imaging?
- Is it safe to keep being active or exercising in the meantime?
- Should my family get checked for similar conditions? (especially if there's a known genetic link)
What should I ask my Orthopedic Oncologist if I have cancer that has spread to my bones?
If you've been diagnosed with cancer that began in another part of your body (like the lungs, breast, or prostate) and has spread to your bones, your orthopedic oncologist is here to help manage bone-related symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Here are some important questions to ask:
- What is the type of cancer that has spread to my bones (bone metastasis)?
- Which bones are affected, and how serious is it?
- What is a pathologic fracture, and am I at risk of having one?
- Do I need surgery to strengthen or stabilize the affected bones?
- Are there other treatment options—like radiation, chemotherapy, or bone-strengthening medications—that could help avoid surgery?
- What can be done to help reduce pain and improve my ability to move or function?
- How can I prevent future problems from bone metastases?
- Will physical activity make my bones weaker or increase my risk of fracture?
- What are the goals of treatment for my bone metastases?
- How will you work with my oncologist to coordinate my overall care?
What Should I Ask My Orthopedic Oncologist About Complex Joint Reconstruction or Limb Salvage Surgery?
If you’re facing surgery to rebuild a joint or save a limb, it’s important to understand what to expect and how it may improve your life. Here are some questions you might want to ask:
- Tell your doctor how your injury or previous surgeries have affected your daily life and overall quality of life, and ask: Is there something that can be done to make things better?
- If surgery is recommended, how long will recovery take? Will I need more surgeries later on?
- Will other specialists be involved in my care during surgery, like a plastic surgeon or another orthopedic expert?
- What are the options for saving my limb? Should I consider limb salvage surgery, or might amputation be a better choice?
- What can I expect in terms of movement, strength, and overall function after surgery?
- Will I need physical therapy or other rehabilitation after surgery?
- What are the risks and possible complications of surgery?
- How will surgery impact my daily activities, work, or hobbies?
- How often will I need follow-up care after surgery?
This is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice and does not provide advice on treatments or conditions for individual patients. All health and treatment decisions must be made in consultation with your physician(s), utilizing your specific medical information. Inclusion in this is not a recommendation of any product, treatment, physician or hospital.