Advanced Extremities Sarcoma Treatment in Hollywood, FL
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Advanced extremities sarcoma refers to cancerous tumors that develop in the soft tissues, muscles, nerves, blood vessels, or connective tissue of the arms and legs. When these tumors grow large, invade nearby structures, or return after previous treatment, they’re considered advanced — and many patients are told surgery is no longer an option. Robert Donoway, MD, FACS, at Atlas Oncology has extensive experience diagnosing and staging these rare cancers, and he offers the cutting-edge NanoKnife® procedure as a treatment option for inoperable advanced extremities sarcoma. To schedule an appointment, call (305) 343 3886 or book online.
Request an AppointmentUnderstanding Advanced Extremities Sarcoma
Extremities sarcomas are rare, accounting for a small percentage of all cancers, but they make up a significant share of soft tissue sarcomas overall. They can develop in fat, muscle, blood vessels, nerves, or the tissue that surrounds joints and tendons. Because early symptoms — a painless lump, mild swelling, or stiffness — are easy to dismiss, many extremities sarcomas aren’t caught until they’ve grown large or advanced to a stage where standard surgical removal would mean sacrificing significant limb function or amputation.
Dr. Donoway begins every case with a comprehensive evaluation, including advanced imaging and biopsy, to determine the exact type and stage of sarcoma. From there, he builds a personalized treatment plan based on tumor location, size, and your overall health, always looking for the approach most likely to control the cancer while preserving limb function and quality of life.
NanoKnife® for Inoperable Extremities Sarcoma
For patients whose tumors are wrapped around major nerves or blood vessels — making traditional surgery too risky or simply not possible — the NanoKnife procedure offers a minimally invasive alternative. This irreversible electroporation (IRE) technique uses targeted electrical pulses to destroy cancer cells while sparing the healthy structures around them, which is especially valuable in the tightly packed anatomy of an arm or leg. Many patients who were told nothing more could be done for their sarcoma find they still have options with this approach.
Advanced extremities sarcoma shares many features with other soft tissue cancers Dr. Donoway treats, including general sarcoma and retroperitoneal sarcoma. If you’ve noticed a persistent lump or swelling in an arm or leg, don’t wait to have it evaluated — early diagnosis gives you the widest range of treatment options. Learn more about our full range of cancer treatment services, or if you’re new to our practice, review what to expect as a new patient.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes extremities sarcoma “advanced”?
A sarcoma is generally considered advanced when it has grown large, invaded nearby nerves, blood vessels, or bone, spread to other parts of the body, or returned after prior treatment. These factors often make standard surgical removal difficult or impossible without significant loss of limb function.
What are the early signs of extremities sarcoma?
The most common early sign is a painless lump or swelling in an arm or leg that gradually grows over weeks or months. Some patients also notice stiffness, aching, or reduced range of motion near a joint.
Is amputation always necessary for advanced extremities sarcoma?
Not necessarily. While amputation was once a common approach for large or inoperable tumors, limb-sparing treatments like the NanoKnife procedure now allow many patients to preserve their arm or leg while still effectively targeting the cancer.
How does the NanoKnife procedure treat sarcoma in the limbs?
NanoKnife uses short, high-voltage electrical pulses to create permanent openings in cancer cell membranes, destroying the tumor from within. Because it doesn’t rely on heat or cold, it can be used safely near major nerves and blood vessels that run through the arms and legs.
Am I a candidate for NanoKnife treatment?
Candidacy depends on the size, location, and stage of your sarcoma, as well as your overall health. Dr. Donoway reviews your imaging and medical history during a consultation to determine whether NanoKnife or another approach is the best fit.
What is recovery like after treatment for extremities sarcoma?
Recovery varies based on the treatment used and the extent of disease. Minimally invasive options like NanoKnife typically involve a shorter recovery than traditional open surgery, though your care team will give you a personalized recovery timeline.
How do I schedule a consultation for extremities sarcoma?
Call (305) 343 3886 or use our online booking tool to schedule a consultation with Dr. Donoway at Atlas Oncology in Hollywood, FL
We do Not accept Mail at this address, do not send records until speaking to office and getting correct mailing address..