Expert care, clear answers and support you can trust
Facing possible bone cancer can feel overwhelming. At Marshfield Clinic, you’re not alone. Our cancer specialists guide you from diagnosis to treatment with clarity, compassion and leading expertise. We help you understand your options, answer your questions and get the care you need, quickly and confidently.
Contact us for care
Call: (866) 520-2510 Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Types of bone cancer we treat
Our multidisciplinary cancer team specializes in diagnosing and treating both common and rare bone cancers, giving you access to the highest level of expertise.
Osteosarcoma: The most common form of bone cancer, which occurs most often in teenagers and young adults but can also appear in younger children and older adults.
Ewing Sarcoma: A rare cancer that forms around the thigh bones, hip bone and bones of the chest. Affects mainly children and young adults.
Chondrosarcoma: Cancer that develops in cartilage, most often in the pelvis, hip and shoulder most often affecting adults.
Soft Tissue Sarcoma: Cancers that form in muscles, fat, nerves or connective tissue near bones.
Risk factors
If you’re concerned about your risk, our specialists can help you understand what’s most relevant to your health.
Factors that may increase the risk of developing bone cancer include:
- Prior treatment with radiation therapy or chemotherapy
- Inherited conditions affecting bone growth or cell development (e.g., Li-Fraumeni syndrome and retinoblastoma)
- Certain benign bone diseases (e.g., Paget disease and fibrous dysplasia) that may increase lifetime risk
Signs and symptoms
Bone cancer symptoms can be subtle at first. Early evaluation can make a meaningful difference. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, we’re here to help you find answers.
- Persistent bone pain, often worsening at night or with activity
- Swelling or a noticeable lump near a bone
- Weakened bone, which can lead to broken bone
- Limited movement or stiffness in nearby joints
- Fatigue or unintentional weight loss (in later stages)
Treatments
Your treatment plan depends on the cancer type, size, location, whether it has spread and your overall health. Marshfield Clinic brings together surgical oncologists, medical oncologists and other specialists to create a plan tailored to you.
Surgery
For cancers in the arms or legs, our goal is to remove the tumor while preserving the limb and maintaining function whenever possible. In some cases, amputation is the safest option.
For cancers in the skull, spine or pelvis, surgery may not be an option due to location.
Chemotherapy
Often used for osteosarcoma, chemotherapy may be given before surgery to shrink the tumor and again after surgery to target any remaining cancer cells.
Additional care options
Our coordinated team ensures you receive the most advanced, evidence-based treatments available. Depending on your diagnosis, treatment may include:
- Targeted therapies: These medicines look for specific changes in cancer cells and block their ability to grow. They often cause fewer side effects than chemotherapy.
- Immunotherapy: Treatments that help your immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.
- Radiation therapy: High-energy beams to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Supportive and integrative care to help manage side effects