July is Sarcoma Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about this rare and complex group of cancers. Sarcoma develops in soft tissues such as muscle, fat, nerves, and blood vessels, and while uncommon, it requires highly specialized care. At Cancer Care Northwest (CCNW), surgical oncology plays a central role in treating sarcoma, with a focus on precision, innovation, and preserving quality of life.
Surgery is one of the most common and effective treatments for sarcoma. The specific approach depends on several clinical factors, including:
At CCNW, surgical plans are tailored to each patient and coordinated with other treatments like chemotherapy or radiation when needed.
Wide Local Excision
Wide local excision is a standard surgical approach for many sarcomas. During this procedure, the surgeon removes:
The goal is to eliminate the tumor along with any nearby cancerous cells. In some cases, radiation or chemotherapy may be recommended after surgery to target any remaining microscopic disease.
Limb-Sparing Surgery vs. Amputation
Many sarcomas occur in the arms or legs. Historically, treatment often required amputation. Today, that is rarely the case.
At Cancer Care Northwest, most patients are candidates for limb-sparing surgery, which removes the tumor while preserving the limb.
Thanks to advances in surgical oncology, CCNW surgeons routinely perform complex limb-sparing procedures that were not possible in the past. Amputation is now typically reserved only for cases where the tumor involves critical structures and cannot be safely removed otherwise.
Heated Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC)
Cancer Care Northwest is one of the few centers in the Inland Northwest offering Heated Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC)—a specialized treatment for sarcomas that have spread to the abdomen.
This advanced procedure is performed during surgery in two phases:
Heating the chemotherapy enhances its effectiveness, helping destroy remaining cancer cells that cannot be seen.
At CCNW, Rebecca Kirschner is a fellowship-trained surgical oncologist with expertise in HIPEC, providing patients access to this highly specialized treatment close to home.
Sarcoma treatment requires a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach. At Cancer Care Northwest, surgical oncologists work closely with medical and radiation oncologists to ensure each patient receives a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan.
Patients benefit from:
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with sarcoma, understanding your surgical options is an important part of your care journey. During Sarcoma Cancer Awareness Month, we encourage patients to ask questions, explore treatment options, and connect with a specialized care team.
To learn more or to prepare for sarcoma surgery, speak with your Cancer Care Northwest physician about the approach that’s right for you.
