Our surgeons perform the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques to remove sarcoma tumors while operating near critical nerves and blood vessels, sparing limbs and preserving patients’ function and quality of life. Our surgeons avoid limb amputation whenever possible.
In addition, our team will assess whether you should have other treatments such as medical therapy or radiation therapy before surgery, which can shrink tumors, allowing for easier and safer surgical removal.
Why sarcomas require unique surgical skills
Surgery for sarcomas should be performed only by a highly skilled and experienced surgeon who specializes in this rare cancer. Sarcoma tumors have a fragile outer capsule that contains the cancer cells into a mass. If the outer capsule is damaged during biopsy or an operation to remove it, cancer cells can “spill” from the tumor, allowing them to spread or regrow. In addition, microscopic cancer cells often infiltrate beyond what appears to be the edges of the tumor and these tumors often occur near critical blood vessels and organs.
Years ago, amputation for sarcoma was a given. But we found that less radical surgery, plus radiation, could yield the same outcomes in terms of cancer control, and was much better for the patient to keep their limb rather than lose it.
Professor of OncologyChief of Melanoma/Sarcoma, Department of Surgical Oncology
Types of surgery for sarcoma
Your surgeon, in cooperation with the entire sarcoma treatment team, will determine the best approach for removing the tumor, preventing recurrence and restoring function. Roswell Park surgeons perform the following techniques for surgical treatment of sarcoma:
- Wide local excision. Surgery to remove the cancer along with some surrounding healthy tissue, leaving the margins (bordering tissue) free from cancer.
- Limb-sparing surgery. Removing the cancer from an arm or leg, preserving as much muscle, bone and other tissue possible, while avoiding full amputation.
- Lymphadenectomy. Surgery to remove one or more lymph nodes in the tumor area. These nodes are then examined by pathologists for cancer.
- Amputation. Surgery to remove all or part of a limb if necessary.
- Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Surgery to restore or improve the appearance and/or function of body structures.