Bone cancer can manifest in two primary ways: as a result of cancer spreading from a distant site (e.g., breast, prostate, lung), or it can originate within the bone itself, known as a sarcoma. 

Soft tissue sarcomas, on the other hand, are cancers that arise within the supportive tissues of the body, encompassing muscle, fat, nerve, tendon, and other structures that surround and safeguard the body's organs. While soft tissue tumors are relatively common, the majority are benign, with the cancerous (malignant) ones being termed soft tissue sarcomas.

Physicians at the University of Minnesota and M Health Fairview Cancer Care have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating both bone cancer and soft tissue cancers. Our program comprises numerous specialized disciplines and research scientists, making it one of the largest in the country, committed to serving more than 400 new patients each year. The University of Minnesota holds a prominent position on both national and international fronts, excelling in fundamental scientific research, clinical studies, and the advancement of innovative treatments for bone and soft tissue tumors.
 
The Musculoskeletal Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor program was established in 1975 and has since built a renowned reputation for managing a high volume of tumor cases. Between 1990 and 2019, the program conducted over 11,000 new tumor evaluations.