Surgery

Surgery is the primary treatment for most sarcomas. It involves the precise removal of the tumor along with a margin of healthy surrounding tissue. This means that some healthy tissue is also removed during surgery to help remove all cancerous cells, thus reducing the risk of recurrence.

The specific surgical approach used for your case depends on the severity of the tumor. However, at Sarcoma Oncology Center, we are committed to providing you with the best possible surgical outcome. 

We collaborate with top surgeons at leading institutions like Cedars-Sinai, UCLA, USC, Stanford, and City of Hope to ensure you receive the highest quality surgical care. Together, we will develop a personalized surgical plan that uses the most advanced techniques while minimizing the impact on your body.

Advancements in medical research and technology have significantly reduced the need for amputations in treating sarcomas of the extremities. In the US, amputations are only performed in about 5% of cases. 

At the Sarcoma Oncology Center, that number is even lower. The affiliate surgeons are experts in limb preservation techniques, allowing them to remove the tumor while preserving as much healthy tissue and functionality as possible for each case.

At Sarcoma Oncology Center, a cornerstone of our treatment philosophy is the conservative multimodal approach. This approach combines surgery with other treatment modalities, such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or both.

The specific combination used will depend on your situation. However, the beauty of this approach lies in its effectiveness. By combining treatments, we can achieve high tumor control rates without sacrificing limbs.

The partner surgeons work closely with radiation and medical oncologists to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs while prioritizing your quality of life.

In some cases, minimally invasive surgical techniques can be a viable and valuable option. Laparoscopic surgery is a prime example of minimally invasive surgery. Originally used for diagnostic purposes, laparoscopic surgery has evolved into a powerful surgical tool. 

During laparoscopic procedures, surgeons make small incisions and insert specialized instruments, including a miniature video camera. The camera allows the surgeon to see inside the body in real time, guiding the precise removal of the tumor.  

Compared to traditional open surgery, laparoscopic procedures offer several benefits:

• Faster recovery: The smaller incisions needed for minimally invasive procedures heal quicker, leading to a shorter hospital stay and a faster return to your daily routine.
• Reduced complications: Minimally invasive techniques generally result in less bleeding, pain, and risk of infection compared to open surgery.
• Improved cosmetic outcomes: Smaller incisions leave minimal scarring, improving cosmetic outcomes.

Not all tumors can be addressed through minimally invasive surgery. However, rest assured that the experienced surgeons will discuss all your options to determine if it's a viable approach for your specific case.

Surgeons may use a variety of techniques to remove a tumor. The specific surgical approach will depend on several factors, including the tumor's location, size, and type. 

Surgical techniques used for sarcoma removal may include any of the following.

• Wide Local Excision: This is the most common type of surgery for sarcomas. It involves removing the tumor along with a margin of healthy tissue. The size of the margin may vary depending on the type of sarcoma.
• Margin-Sparing Surgery: In cases where preserving function is critical, surgeons may opt for margin-sparing surgery. This technique removes the tumor with a minimal margin of healthy tissue. However, it's only an option for certain types of sarcomas and may require additional treatment with radiation therapy.
• Limb Salvage Surgery: This type of surgery focuses on removing the tumor while preserving as much of the limb as possible. Various reconstructive techniques may be used to restore function and appearance after limb salvage surgery.
• Amputation: While amputation is a last resort, it may be necessary in some advanced cases where the tumor is too large or involves critical nerves or blood vessels. However, even in amputation cases, advanced prosthetic options are available to help patients regain function and mobility.

At the Sarcoma Oncology Center, the collaborative team of highly skilled and experienced surgeons closely follow the latest medical advancements and surgical techniques to achieve optimal outcomes for our patients. 

At our office in Santa Monica, we design personalized and innovative plans for treating a wide variety of sarcomas. Schedule a consultation with one of our experienced oncologists to discuss your situation and explore your treatment options.  

To schedule a consultation, please call us at 310-552-9999 or request an appointment online.