Radiology Imaging
Radiology Imaging is often the first stage in diagnosing a suspected tumour. You may undergo an X-ray, CT, MRI or PET* scan. Sometimes contrast dyes are injected into the veins before scanning. This dye helps radiologists distinguish between healthy tissue and tumour.
*NOHC does not have a PET scan onsite.
Biopsy
A biopsy will confirm if a tumour is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). It will also confirm the type of cancer. A small sample of tissue is taken using a needle (usually guided by ultrasound or CT) or during a minor surgical incision.
NOHC’s Consultants provide nationwide guidance to Orthopaedic Consultants on best-practice biopsy procedures for complex tumours. Your biopsy may be performed at your local hospital or at NOHC.
Radiology and Biopsy Results
It is natural to want answers immediately. However, interpreting scans and processing biopsy samples are complex tasks. It can take several weeks to complete the final reports. The multidisciplinary team responsible for your care will discuss the results and determine the most effective treatment pathway before confirming your histological diagnosis (the nature of the disease that informs treatment pathways).
Please let our staff know whether you would like to receive test results by phone or in person at the clinic.
Connective tissues support, connect and protect the musculoskeletal system (bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons and soft tissue). Sarcoma is a rare form of cancer that starts in the connective tissues, and it is most commonly found in the arms, legs and abdomen. There are over 70 subtypes of bone and soft tissue sarcoma. Sarcomas are difficult to detect, and typical symptoms include:
- A lump – often painless at first
- Bone pain – aching pain that worsens at night
- Stiffness and swelling in the joint
- Unexplained breaks
Sarcoma Care Coordination
The National Sarcoma Centre is headquartered at St. Vincent’s University Hospital. It comprises an interdisciplinary team of oncologists, radiation oncologists, and surgical oncologists who develop treatment pathways for patients nationwide. The National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh is a designated surgical oncology centre for the service.
Rare Disease Centres
Global Specialist Rare Disease Centres collect data on rare diseases, including sarcomas. These hubs bring together leading experts with specialist knowledge of rare sarcomas to review cases and guide treatment decisions.
Neo-adjuvant treatments reduce a tumour before surgery, and adjuvant treatments are initiated after surgery to kill any lingering cancer cells and prevent cancer recurrence. Treatments include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy and immunotherapy. These treatments are provided by St. Luke’s Hospital, Tallaght University Hospital and St Vincent’s University Hospital.
Surgery is often the primary treatment to remove the tumour. Our goal is always to remove the tumour entirely while preserving as much function as possible.
You will be invited to the Preoperative Assessment Clinic, where you will meet members of the surgical team responsible for your care. There you will undergo a series of examinations and tests to assess your suitability for surgery. You will receive details of your procedure and be encouraged to ask questions. Once you are deemed fit, you will be given a date for surgery.
Recovery doesn’t end when you leave the hospital. We will monitor you closely through a Disease Surveillance Programme.
- Follow-up Scans: You will return for regular imaging (X-rays or CT scans) to monitor the surgical site and ensure your long-term health.
- Prosthetic Services: If your surgery involves an amputation, we will connect you directly with prosthetic services to ensure you are fitted with a suitable artificial limb and receive the care you need to regain your mobility and independence. For information on lower-limb amputation and prosthetics, click here.
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgical Oncologists
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgical Oncologists specialise in the biopsy and removal of bone and soft tissue tumours. NOHC has three skilled and experienced surgeons:
- Alan Molloy
- Gary O’Toole
- Mr Matthew Lee
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Surgeons are supported by Andrea Marnell, a Clinical Nurse Specialist with specialised oncology training.
Important Note for Patients Who Do Not Require Chemotherapy or Radiotherapy
Not all bone tumours require chemotherapy or radiotherapy. If your treatment is “surgery-only,” you will be under the care of the Bone Tumour Centre surgical team. You will not be assigned a consultant oncologist.
We strongly advise you to discuss your diagnosis with your GP. They will be your primary point of contact for general health queries and can offer information on your cancer, and advice and support for the psychological and physical impact of your diagnosis. It is important to remain vigilant and contact your GP immediately if you are concerned about your health.
A cancerous diagnosis is traumatic for the patient. Our Social Work Services offer emotional support for those affected by cancer. They help patients to come to terms with their diagnosis, connect them with community supports, and provide information on benefits and entitlements available to them during and following treatment.
The team is acutely aware of the devastating impact a cancer diagnosis can have on patients and their family and they work collaboratively to provide practical and emotional support and extraordinary care for those affected.
Useful Contact Details:
The Irish Cancer Society
www.cancer.ie
1800 200 700
Arc Cancer Support
+353 (01) 215 0250
www.arccancersupport.ie/