UAB’s departments of Orthopedic Oncology and Musculoskeletal Oncology are the only centers for bone cancer treatment in the state. Because we are part of the department of Orthopedics, our experienced physicians, coupled with specialists at UAB’s Comprehensive Cancer Center, offer a unique perspective when it comes to bone cancer. We offer surgical oncologists for a wide range of bone and soft tissue cancers.

Our Services

• Bone & Soft Tissue Tumor Surgery
• Total Hip Replacement
• Total Knee Replacement
• Total Shoulder Replacement
• Bone Metastasis Management
• Femoral Head Resurfacing
• Revision Total Joint Replacement
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Our Team of Experts
The bone cancer clinic is made up of physicians dedicated to treating bone cancer with the latest technology. Because our physicians are specialists in oncology, hematology, surgical oncology and radiation oncology, you can rest assured you’re receiving the best care available. We work with specialists in other areas of care when necessary to give you a comprehensive approach to treatment.

Search our physician directory to learn more about our team.

Location
Orthopedic Specialties Building
1313 13th St. South
Birmingham, AL 35205

Symptoms and Signs
Bone cancer occurs most frequently in the long bones of your arms and legs. Pain is the most common symptom, but other symptoms may include:

• Weakened bones
• Bone fractures
• Joint swelling and tenderness
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Unintended weight loss
• Anemia

Diagnosis and Treatment
There are two types of bone cancers, primary and secondary.

• Primary bone cancer (also known as sarcoma) begins in the bone.
• Secondary bone cancer begins somewhere else in the body, and spreads (or metastasizes) to the bone.

Primary Bone Cancer
Primary bone cancer is rare. Some types affect young people, while others affect adults. Bone cancer is almost never seen in the bones of the hands or feet. Bone cancers that affect young people include:

• Osteosarcoma, which is seen in young people under the age of twenty. It commonly affects the knee or leg bones. If it spreads, it goes to the lungs. Previous exposure to radiation has been shown to increase the risk for this cancer.
• Ewing's Sarcoma is also seen mostly in young people between the ages of three and twenty-five. It is most common in the pelvic area or the legs.

Adults may develop other types of sarcomas. These occur in the trunk or the legs, and are most commonly seen in men. Other than radiation exposure, there are no known risk factors for bone cancers. Because these cancers are so rare, there are no screening programs for bone cancer. Most of those affected will have symptoms which bring them to their healthcare provider. These may include:

• persistent pain and, or, swelling unrelated to trauma
• a fracture

Diagnosis is most often made through x-rays. The type of cancer must be confirmed through a bone biopsy. In this test, a sample of the affected cells are collected through a needle, and examined under a microscope.
Treatment may include one or more of the following:

• radiotherapy
• chemotherapy
• surgery

The treatment depends on the type, site, and extent of the bone cancer.

Our Clinical Trials
UAB’s bone cancer clinic is constantly working to find better treatments and a cure for all types of bone cancers. Talk to your doctor to see if you are a candidate for one of UAB’s bone cancer clinical trials.