Dr. Lee Leddy points at a touch screen monitor

Sarcoma

MUSC Hollings Cancer Center is one of a small number of health care centers in the U.S. offering you focused sarcoma care. Our team includes fellowship-trained clinicians in orthopaedic oncology, surgical oncology and medical oncology, all with a clinical focus on sarcoma patients.

There are about 15,000 new cases of sarcoma diagnosed across the country each year. Since this cancer is so rare, it is important that you’re treated at a center with a team of doctors experienced in this disease. Our program also has experienced pathology and musculoskeletal radiology experts for proper diagnosis, which is crucial for effective treatment.

We’re Here For You

At Hollings, we know a cancer diagnosis can be a life changing event. We are here to support you through your journey. Call 843-792-9300 and make an appointment. Experience what sets us apart.

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In good hands

You know you're in good hands at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center. Here, you have access to the latest innovations in cancer treatment, including clinical trials, advanced surgical techniques, support services and survivorship planning. You can rest easy knowing we hold national rankings for cancer care and take a leadership role in cancer research and prevention.

The Hollings difference

Treatment and Support

Dr. Zeke Walton talks with two people

The Hollings team of experts uses state-of-the-art technology to provide you with an accurate diagnosis and the best care possible. At Hollings, we treat many different types of sarcoma including:

Bone Sarcoma

  • Osteosarcoma
  • Ewing’s sarcoma
  • Chondrosarcoma
  • Pleomorphic undifferentiated sarcoma of the bone

Soft Tissue Sarcoma

  • Pleomorphic undifferentiated sarcoma
  • Synovial sarcoma
  • Liposarcoma
  • Fibrosarcoma
  • Myxofibrosarcoma
  • Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP)
  • Leiomyosarcoma
  • Angiosarcoma
  • Lymph angiosarcoma
  • Epithelioid sarcoma
  • Desmoid
  • Atypical lipomatous tumor
  • Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST)
  • Rhabdomyosarcoma
  • Clear cell sarcoma
  • Myxoid sarcoma
  • Alveolar sarcoma
  • Solitary Fibrous tumor

Our team of sarcoma specialists knows how important it is to offer you options when it comes to your treatment. Some of the resources available to you include:

Advanced Imaging

MRI, PET and CT scans allow for accurate interpretation, which aids surgical and radiation planning.

Surgical Treatment

Our surgeons are not only experienced in the removal of sarcomas, but also in how best to reconstruct the tissue or skeletal defect, maximizing your post-operative function. Procedures include biopsy of primary tumors, removal of primary tumors, limb-sparing surgery and surgical treatment of metastatic disease.

Systemic Therapies

Our experts guide the selection of appropriate post-surgical therapy and manage systemic therapy options specific to your sarcoma subtype including bone, soft tissue sarcomas and non-gastrointestinal stromal tumors.

Pathology

Our pathologists take advantage of advancements in cancer genetics and technology using genetic markers to aid in diagnosis and prognosis.

Medical Management

Personalized tumor staging, chemotherapy and radiation plans are developed by a multidisciplinary team experienced in sarcoma.

Refer a sarcoma patient

To refer a sarcoma patient to Hollings, please call patient referral coordinator Tabitha Miller at 843-985-0584.

Nurse Navigator Support

Our sarcoma nurse navigator, Melinda Walto, BSN, RN, will help you understand what to expect during treatment and answer questions you may have.

Although they are rare, it is important to catch sarcomas early. You should advise your doctor about any unexplained lumps or growths, which could be signs of soft tissue sarcoma. At Hollings, our team utilizes expertise in the field and imaging like X-rays, ultrasounds and CT scans to provide you an accurate and detailed diagnosis.

Dr. Nancy Klauber-DeMore stands next to a microscope in her lab

Because sarcomas are rare, there are still many questions health professionals are seeking answers for. At Hollings, we understand how important research is in understanding sarcoma and developing effective treatments.

Some recent projects include:

As South Carolina’s only NCI-designated cancer center, Hollings offers you clinical trials and treatments that aren’t available anywhere else in the state. These opportunities provide you with access to the latest medications, therapies, and surgical techniques that can improve your outcomes. Learn more about clinical trials at Hollings and see our current sarcoma clinical trials.

 

What am I going to do today to fight this damned disease? What email am I going to send? Who am I going to go encourage? How can I get somebody to donate $1? What did I do today? I've tried every day to do something.

Thom Schmenk, sarcoma survivor

Thom's story
Thomas Schmenk

Sarcoma Care Locations

MUSC Hollings Cancer Center Downtown

86 Jonathan Lucas Street

Charleston, SC 29425

Scheduling: 843-792-9300

Hematology Oncology Florence

Florence Medical Center

Medical Mall A

805 Pamplico Highway

Suite: 315

Florence, SC 29505

Scheduling: 843-792-9300

Our team includes fellowship-trained clinicians in orthopaedic oncology, surgical oncology, and medical oncology, all with a clinical focus on sarcoma patients.

Latest Sarcoma News