Primary bone sarcomas, or bone cancers, start in the actual bone cells. They are very rare. Much more common by far are secondary bone cancers that spread from other organs or regions of the body, like the lung, colon or breast, and invade the bone. 

Primary Bone Sarcomas include:

Chordoma
This type of tumor usually grows at the base of the skull or in the spine. Less often, it occurs in other parts of the spine

Chondrosarcoma
This is the second most common primary bone cancer. It develops in cartilage cells, most often around the hip bones. However, it can occur in any bone, including the ribs. 

Ewing Sarcoma or tumor
This cancer affects mainly children and teenagers. Most Ewing tumors start in bone, but they can also occur in the soft tissues of the limbs, such as in muscles. Ewing sarcoma usually occurs in the thigh bone, pelvis, or chest wall, but can occur in any bone. 

Giant Cell Tumors of Bone
These tumors are almost always benign, but in rare cases can be cancerous. They most often occur around the knee or shoulder and sometimes other bones. They don't often spread to other sites, but tend to return after they are surgically removed. 

Osteosarcoma
This is the most common primary bone cancer. It usually starts in bones of the arms or legs near where new bone is made. Most people who get this cancer are between ages 10 and 30, but it can occur at any age. It tends to be more common in males than in females. Most tumors occur near the knee, pelvis, or shoulder, but they can occur in any bone.

Why Choose Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center?

One of only 71 NCI-designated cancer centers in the United States. Sylvester is one of only two cancer centers in Florida that have been recognized by the National Cancer Institute. The team earned this distinction through its outstanding work conducting research in its laboratories, treating patients in its clinics and hospitals, and reaching out to medically underserved communities with innovative prevention strategies.

High volume experience treating many cases of sarcoma, bone, and soft tissue cancers. Because we see so many patients with sarcoma, bone, and soft tissue cancers, we have the experience needed to provide better outcomes with fewer potential complications.

Targeted therapies and clinical trials for patients with tumor mutations. We provide the most advanced treatment options available in the South Florida region.

Advanced radiation oncology tools. Sylvester is one of only five medical centers in the country with ViewRay™ — MRI-guided radiation therapy. Our RapidArc® radiotherapy system delivers intensity modulated external radiation therapy (IMRT). These tools lead to more efficient and effective treatments, shorter treatment times, pinpoint accuracy in tumor targeting, and less damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Expertise in custom-designed artificial prostheses, joints, and bone grafts. You can enjoy improved mobility and self-confidence after cancer treatment with help from custom prostheses.

Comprehensive sarcoma tissue bank and registry. You can help future patients by participating in research that helps create tomorrow’s improved therapies.