Multidisciplinary team (MDT) for primary bone cancer

Primary bone cancer (also called bone sarcoma) is rare, so you should always be referred for treatment at a specialist sarcoma unit. Your test results will be discussed by a team of specialist health care professionals. If your tests show a diagnosis of bone cancer, a team of specialists meets to talk about the best treatment for you. They are called a multidisciplinary team (MDT).

A sarcoma MDT includes the following professionals:

• Orthopaedic surgeon – a doctor who specialises in bone surgery.
• Oncologist – a doctor who uses radiotherapy, chemotherapy and other anti-cancer drugs to treat people with cancer.
• Clinical nurse specialist (CNS) – a nurse who gives information about cancer, and support during and after treatment.
• Radiologist – a doctor who looks at scans and x-rays to diagnose problems.
• Pathologist – a doctor who looks at cells or body tissue under a microscope to diagnose cancer.

The MDT may also include healthcare professionals, such as the following:

• Dietitian – someone who gives information and advice about diet and how to keep to a healthy weight.
• Key worker – someone who is the main point of contact for people living with cancer. They can help answer any questions. This person could be a specialist nurse or a social worker.
• Physiotherapist – someone who gives advice about exercise and mobility.
• Plastic surgeon – a doctor who does operations (surgery) to repair or reconstruct tissue and skin.
• Occupational therapist – someone who gives information, support and aids to help people with everyday tasks such as washing and dressing.
• Psychologist – someone who gives advice about managing feelings and behaviours.
• Counsellor – someone who is trained to listen to people’s problems and help them find ways to cope.
• Social worker – someone who can help sort out practical and financial problems.