Sarcoma Surgery
Surgical Treatments for Sarcoma
We know you may feel anxious when surgery is part of your treatment plan. But at the Providence Swedish Cancer Institute, our highly skilled musculoskeletal tumor surgeons, also referred to as orthopedic oncologists, provide compassionate care combined with the latest surgical innovations, so you know you're in the best possible hands.
Precision Musculoskeletal Tumor Surgery - Focused on You
Surgery for bone and soft tissue sarcomas is more than just a treatment - it's a step toward recovery and renewed health. At the Providence Swedish Cancer Institute, we specialize in advanced techniques tailored to your unique diagnosis. Our skilled team works closely with experts in medical and radiation oncology to build a coordinated plan that gives you the best possible outcome.
Our support doesn't end in the operating room. With access to dedicated cancer rehabilitation services - including physical therapy to rebuild strength and mobility - we help you recover with confidence. Whether you're regaining movement, reducing pain, or adjusting to life after surgery, we're here to support before and beyond your treatment.
Orthopedic Oncology Surgery Procedures
Our orthopedic oncologists provide surgical treatments for bone and soft tissue sarcomas, focusing on removing tumors while preserving function and mobility. These are some of our techniques.
Limb-sparing surgery is used to remove a bone or soft tissue tumor without amputating the affected arm or leg. Whenever possible, surgeons remove the tumor and surrounding tissue while preserving the limb’s function, strength, and appearance. This approach often involves reconstruction and close collaboration with rehabilitation specialists to support recovery and mobility.
Wide local excision is the surgical removal of a tumor. In the case of sarcoma, a margin of healthy tissue around the tumor is removed to help ensure that all cancerous cells are removed while preserving as much healthy tissue and function as possible. This type of surgery is sometimes paired with radiation therapy to further reduce the risk of recurrence.
What to Expect
When your treatment plan includes surgery, you'll be receiving care from highly skilled surgeons with subspecialty expertise in musculoskeletal and orthopedic oncology surgery at the Providence Swedish Cancer Institute. Here's what you can expect prior to, during and after surgery:
About a week before surgery, we'll schedule a pre-admission visit to:
- Assist with any remaining pre-surgical lab work or tests
- Review what will happen during your surgery
- Explain potential side effects
- Discuss medications and post-surgery care, including in-home help or equipment if needed
You'll also receive information to help prepare you for your hospital admission and stay (if applicable). If you have questions after your pre-admission appointment, you can reach out to your nurse or care coordinator.
On the day of your surgery, you will meet with an anesthesiologist, who confirms details of your medical record, clarifies any questions about your medical history, and performs a physical exam.
During this time, you can discuss the plan for your care, express any concerns about potential side effects, and ask any questions that you have about the anesthesia.
During surgery you're treated by an experienced and highly skilled team that specializes in musculoskeletal tumor surgery including orthopedic oncologists who focus on preserving function and mobility, anesthesiologists dedicated to your comfort and safety, and surgical nurses and technicians who ensure every detail is handled with precision.
Surgeries typically last between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the complexity of your case. Most patients stay in the hospital for several days to ensure they are ready to transition to the next phase of healing.
After surgery, you’ll be moved to a recovery room. Your vital signs will be monitored and pain managed as the effects of anesthesia wear off.
Once stabilized, you'll receive postoperative care instructions before being discharged or moved to an inpatient room. These instructions could include information about:
- Wound care
- Activity restrictions
- Pain management
- Schedule of follow-up appointments
Most orthopedic oncology surgeries require a hospital stay of 1 to 4 days, depending on the complexity of your procedure.
Typically, you'll have follow-up appointments after surgery for the first few weeks. This is to monitor your healing and effectively manage the potential for complications. Your follow-up appointment schedule will depend on the type of surgery you have.
As time goes on, we'll see you less frequently, but you'll still come in for regular checkups. During these visits, we manage any ongoing treatments, such as medical or radiation oncology, and monitor for signs of recurrence.
We also offer extensive supportive care services to help you through every treatment stage.
Learn more about our supportive care services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sarcomas are rare and complex cancers, so they often require a combination of treatments. The expert sarcoma treatment team determines which treatments are needed and in what sequence at our multi-disciplinary tumor board meeting. Surgery is often the first step to remove the sarcoma. Because sarcomas can occur in different types of tissue and may spread to other areas of the body, your care plan might include surgery along with additional treatments like radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapies.
Your first follow-up appointment with your surgeon usually happens within a few weeks after surgery. During this visit, your surgeon will check how your incision is healing, talk with you about how you're feeling, and discuss next steps. This may include referrals for cancer rehabilitation, or additional imaging to monitor your progress. If you have questions or concerns before that visit, your care team is always available to support you.
Your recovery timeline depends on the complexity of your surgery, your overall health, and whether you’ll be receiving additional treatment like chemotherapy or radiation. Many patients can return to light activities within a few weeks, but it may take several months to regain full strength and mobility - especially if your treatment plan includes ongoing therapy.
Your doctor will provide a personalized recovery plan that includes guidance on when it's safe to return to work, exercise, and other daily routines. Your care team is here to help you pace your recovery and support you along the way.
Surgery can leave scars. The extent of scarring and its visibility depends on the type of surgery that you have. Your care team can talk to you about any concerns, including options for reconstructive surgery, if suitable, and ways to improve scar healing and appearance.
Every person's timeline is a little different, but your care team will coordinate closely with medical and radiation oncology to schedule your next steps at the right time. These appointments can occur prior to surgery or after, depending on your situation. The goal is to keep your treatment moving forward while making sure your body is ready for what comes next.
Yes. Before you begin any additional treatment - whether it's chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or both - you'll meet with the specialists leading that part of your care. They have been involved in the development of your treatment plan with your surgeon, and these visits are an important opportunity to ask questions, understand how the treatment works, and talk through any concerns you may have. Your medical or radiation oncologist will explain the plan, potential side effects, and how you'll be supported throughout the process.
Treatment timelines vary depending on your diagnosis. Some surgical procedures are done on an outpatient basis. More complex cases may require a hospital stay.
Medical oncology and radiation treatments typically involve multiple treatment sessions over a period of days or weeks. Treatment timelines vary depending on the type and stage of your cancer. Your care team reviews your treatment plan with you, as well as any options that may impact length, frequency and duration of treatment.
Following active treatment, you will see your physician periodically to monitor any signs of recurrence.
We provide a full range of supportive care services to support you during and after your cancer treatment. Some of these services include:
- Art therapists
- Cancer rehabilitation (onco-physiatry)
- Care coordinators
- Genetic counseling (cancer geneticist)
- Health educators
- Medical massage (edema, lymphedema management)
- Music therapist
- Naturopaths
- Nutritionists
- Oncology nurses
- Social workers
- Speech and language pathology
We can also help with finances, food, transportation, and other challenges for eligible patients through our patient assistance fund.
See the full list of supportive care services.
Note: Some services are provided by local partners and vary based on location. Please contact your clinic for more information.
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