Dr. Wodajo treats benign and malignant bone and soft tissue tumors and adults and children. Malignant tumors of the musculoskeletal system are called sarcomas. The role of the orthopedic oncologist is first to establish the diagnosis. This is sometimes possible with imaging studies alone. Sometimes a biopsy is required.
Diagnosis is made in conjunction with radiologists and pathologists. When a biopsy is performed, it is reviewed in the context of the radiology images before making final determination of diagnosis. The use of chemotherapy or radiation for selected patients is decided jointly among the various specialists. For this reason, regular conferences among clinicians serve an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.
Common diagnoses treated include:
- osteosarcoma, ewing’s sarcoma, chondrosarcoma
- malignant fibrous hstiiocytoma, liposarcoma, synovial sarcoma
- giant cell tumor, osteoid osteoma, fibrous dysplasia
- bone tumors which have spread from breast, lung or kidney cancers (“metastatic” tumors)
After the diagnosis is determined, some tumors will require surgery only, others may require chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy in addition to surgery. In most cases, however, the role of surgery is critical in reducing the chance of the tumor recurring and ensuring the best possible functional outcome for the patient.