Geisinger specialist saves lives and limbs of patients with bone cancer

Oct. 21, 2009, DANVILLE – Bone cancer, as a primary cancer diagnosis, is not a common form of cancer in the United States. It makes up less than one percent of all cancers, with approximately 2,300 people newly diagnosed last year.

Thomas R. Bowen, MD, is a fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopedic oncologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal tumors.

“While bone cancer is not a common form of cancer, it strikes people at any time in their lives, including children and adolescents in their prime,” said Dr. Bowen. “It is critical to support the patient and their family throughout the diagnosis and treatment of their cancer.”

Symptoms of bone cancer include bone pain, swelling and tenderness near the affected area, and sometimes fractures.

Treatments for a cancerous musculoskeletal tumor include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or a combination of the three.

“Chemotherapy and radiation are sometimes used to treat a tumor prior to surgery,” said Dr. Bowen. “This practice allows the surgeon to frequently spare the limb. For the patient, it greatly reduces amputation rates.”

With a combination of treatments, patients can preserve much of the function of the affected limb, according to Dr. Bowen.

Dr. Bowen also noted that not all bone tumors are cancerous. However, those that are malignant require serious medical attention and follow-up care.
 
About Geisinger Health System
Founded in 1915, Geisinger Health System (Danville, PA) is one of the nation’s largest integrated health services organizations.  Serving more than two million residents throughout central and northeastern Pennsylvania, the physician-led organization is at the forefront of the country's rapidly emerging electronic health records movement. Geisinger is comprised of two medical center campuses, three hospitals, a 740-member group practice, a not-for-profit health insurance company and the Henry Hood Center for Health Research—dedicated to creating innovative new models for patient care, satisfaction and clinical outcomes. For more information, visit www.geisinger.org.