Bone Cancer

Look to UC San Diego Health for expert bone cancer treatment with an expert team that puts you at the center of everything they do.

We are a high-volume referral center for treating primary and secondary bone cancers and offer the most advanced treatment options, including limb-sparing surgeries.

Nationally Ranked Cancer Care

UC San Diego Health is repeatedly ranked among the top 50 in the nation for cancer care by U.S. News & World Report. We are also the only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in San Diego County. This is the highest possible rating for a U.S. cancer center, and it means you’ll receive the best possible care and support. Studies show patient outcomes are better at NCI-designated cancer centers.

Graphic with U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” badge for top-ranked cancer care

Conditions Treated

We treat all types of bone tumors.

Non-malignant bone tumors Most bone tumors are benign.

Secondary or metastatic bone cancer Cancer can spread to the bone from another area. Secondary bone cancer is the most common type of bone cancer.

Osteosarcoma (also known as osteogenic sarcoma) This rare cancer is the most common type of primary bone cancer. It often affects the large bones of the arm or leg, occurs most commonly in people under age 20 and affects more males than females.

Chondrosarcoma A cancer that forms in the cartilaginous tissue, it usually starts in the pelvis, shoulder, ribs, or at the ends of the long bones of the arms and legs. It is more common in people over 40.

Ewing sarcoma family of tumors (ESFTs) These can occur in bone, soft tissue, blood vessels or other tissues. ESFTs are most common in the pelvis and backbone and in the legs and arms of children, adolescents and young adults.

Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) This rare soft-tissue sarcoma begins in bone and is usually found in the arm or leg (especially around the knee joint) of adults.

Multiple myeloma This rare blood cancer begins in plasma cells in the bone marrow and can affect the bones.

Bone Cancer Diagnosis and Biopsy

Diagnostic imaging: Your doctor may recommend computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to diagnose bone tumors. Imaging can also be used to see whether the tumor has spread to nearby soft tissue.

Biopsy: Your doctor may also recommend a biopsy, in which a tumor sample is taken from your bone and analyzed under a microscope by a pathologist. This can confirm a cancer diagnosis. We perform image-guided biopsies for more accurate results.

Comprehensive, Personalized Treatments for Bone Cancers

Receive a treatment plan that's optimal for your type and stage of cancer.

Surgery

Bone cancer is generally treated with surgery. UC San Diego Health surgeons are experienced in advanced surgeries that prevent the need to amputate an arm or leg. These limb-sparing surgeries are transformative in protecting your quality of life. They are a specialty service at UC San Diego Health, often unavailable at community hospitals.

Radiation Therapy

Although surgery is the primary treatment approach, radiation therapy is often used to shrink a tumor before surgery or after surgery to destroy any cancer cells left behind. UC San Diego Health radiation oncologists use the most advanced technologies available to precisely target cancer cells and reduce damage to surrounding healthy tissues.

Chemotherapy and Medications

Chemotherapy may be used to shrink tumors and make the tumor easier to remove through surgery or radiation treatment. You may also be given medications to help keep your bones strong and healthy.

Second Opinion Services

When you have a diagnosis as serious as cancer, you deserve a second opinion on your treatment options.

How to Get a Second Opinion

Bone Tumors Care Team

At UC San Diego Health, your cancer care is led by a multidisciplinary team of doctors who specialize in your type of cancer. Highly specialized multidisciplinary care is a hallmark of top-tier academic medical centers such as UC San Diego Health. For patients like you, it means you receive the highest level of care for these rare cancers. Find a specialist.

Medical oncologists

Orthopedic surgeons

Surgical oncologists

Thoracic surgeons

Interventional radiologist

Radiologists

Clinical Trials

Advancing Cancer Care and Prevention

UC San Diego Health physicians are actively researching ways to improve cancer care. By joining a clinical trial, you may receive a new cancer treatment before it is available to the public. If your cancer has not responded to standard therapies, talk to your doctor about whether a clinical trial could be right for you.

Find a Clinical Trial

Patient & Family Support Services

At UC San Diego Health, your care goes beyond treating disease. It also includes supporting you and your loved ones emotionally throughout your cancer journey. Most of our support services are free.

Browse All Support Services

Counseling & Therapy

Support Groups & Classes

Nutrition Counseling & Classes

Financial Counseling