Sarcomas and Bone Cancers Team

Soft tissue sarcomas can develop in soft tissues like fat, muscle, nerves, fibrous tissues, blood vessels, or deep skin tissues. They can be found in any part of the body; most develop in the arms or legs. They can also be found in the trunk, head and neck area, internal organs, and the area in back of the belly cavity (known as the retroperitoneum).

About 13,000 people will be diagnosed with soft tissue sarcomas in the United States each year. There are more than 30 different types of these rare tumors.

Successful sarcoma treatment begins with timely and accurate diagnosis by a team of experts. Our team focuses on treating patients with every kind of soft tissue sarcoma. Our highly trained specialists work together closely to ensure that patients receive state-of-the-art evaluation and treatment. They meet every two weeks to review images and tests together, to make sure that every person is responding well to treatment, and to adjust treatment plans as needed.

“Through a multi-disciplinary approach, we are able to perform limb salvage surgery and still prolong a person’s life. In the past, people would have to make difficult choices between life and preserving a limb.”

– David Chafey, MD

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Cancers of the Bone

Bone cancer is a sarcoma that starts in the bone. Other cancers may affect the bones, including cancers that have spread from other parts of the body. There are several types of bone tumors. The most commonly found types of primary bone cancer are osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, and Ewing’s sarcoma. Ewing’s sarcoma is the second most common type of bone cancer in children and adolescents. David Chafey, MD, is the only orthopedic surgical oncologist in New Mexico. He helps each multidisciplinary team decide how best to treat cancers that start in bone or that spread to bone. Based on the size and location of the tumor, he lends his expertise to each team to help their patients keep their limbs. Dr. Chafey also studies reconstructive surgery to prevent fractures and keep limbs functioning.