If you are reading this, you or someone you care about has probably been told they have — or might have — a bone or soft tissue tumour. That is frightening to hear, and the first thing worth knowing is that most lumps are not cancer, and that even for those that are, there is a clear, well-practised path through diagnosis and treatment.
This guide is based on the patient booklet given to people having orthopaedic tumour surgery at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPA). Your family members or carers may also find it helpful to read. It explains the tests, the team, the types of surgery, and the practical details of a hospital stay — including help with travel and accommodation if you live outside Sydney.
Two things to hold onto as you read:
You will be looked after by a team, not a single doctor. RPA is a specialist sarcoma centre. Every patient’s case is discussed at a multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting, where sarcoma surgeons, oncologists, radiologists and pathologists agree on the best plan together. The evidence is clear that people with sarcoma do better when treated this way.
This information is general. Sarcomas differ enormously in type, size and position, and treatment is planned for each person individually. Use these pages to prepare your questions — then ask your treating team what is planned for you. You will be given extra information by hospital staff about your individual needs.
If you have questions or concerns at any point, speak to your treating team. Patients of the RPA sarcoma service and their families can also call the RPA Virtual Hospital’s Sarcoma & Tumour Advice and Support Service on 1800 463 918, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (not for emergencies — in an emergency call 000).