Your Care at Winship
Sarcomas are a group of diverse and rare soft tissue and bone tumors that frequently pose significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
More than 75 different types of sarcomas have been identified and studies have shown that treatment of such tumors is best performed in high-volume academic, referral centers with clinicians who are experts in the field and specialize in the care of patients with sarcomas.
At the Emory Sarcoma Center, located at Emory University Hospital Midtown, we have a multidisciplinary team of clinicians that has a specific clinical interest and expertise in the diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of patients with bone, soft-tissue, and retroperitoneal sarcomas. Our team includes: sarcoma pathologists, surgical oncologists, orthopedic oncologists, thoracic surgeons, sarcoma medical and radiation oncologists, musculoskeletal radiologists, and supportive oncology specialists.
Our sarcoma team meets on a weekly-basis at a multidisciplinary tumor conference to discuss individual cases by reviewing pathology slides, treatment plans, and assessing clinical trial eligibility.
The benefits of our multidisciplinary and highly-experienced sarcoma team include:
- Access to clinicians and surgeons who rank among the top cancer specialists in the world with expertise in all types of sarcoma including unique cases such as sacral chordomas, retroperitoneal sarcomas, and radiation-induced sarcomas.
- Availability of new treatment options within our sarcoma clinical trials program.
- Access to state-of-the-art imaging and radiation technology, including proton therapy for certain cases.
- Access to a nurse navigator to assist you throughout the evaluation and treatment process.
- Access to support groups and education classes for you and your caregivers.
Request an Appointment
If you have been diagnosed with a sarcoma, we are ready to help you. Call us at 1 (888) 946-7447 or (404) 778-1900 to make an appointment with a sarcoma specialist. Winship experts are available to provide a consultation or a second opinion.
We understand that this is a very stressful time. We welcome your questions and requests for help. Learn what to expect on your first visit.
Diagnosing Your Sarcoma
A sarcoma is a cancerous tumor that can develop from the bone or from various soft tissue components in the body such as fat, muscles, nerves or blood vessels. Different types of sarcoma include chondrosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, fibrosarcoma of the bone, osteosarcoma and soft tissue sarcoma.
A critical component in diagnosing a sarcoma is having an expert sarcoma pathologists review the biopsy tissue and at Winship Cancer Institute we have world-renown Sarcoma pathologists.
The next step in diagnosing a sarcoma is a thorough physical examination and imaging of the tumor with either an MRI scan for truncal or extremity lesions or high-quality CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis for abdominal and retroperitoneal tumors. Additional imaging of the chest with plain x-rays or CT scan is also performed to complete staging.
Watch the video to learn from Kenneth Cardona, MD, about the various types of sarcoma and the current treatment options available.
If a physical examination or imaging suggests a sarcoma may be present, a biopsy will be performed in order to potentially further determine the type of sarcoma present. A biopsy involves obtaining a sample of tissue from the tumor that is then examined by our expert sarcoma pathologists.
Learn About Cancer
For reliable, in-depth information about cancer symptoms, staging and diagnosis, visit CancerQuest, an educational and outreach program at Emory University.
Your Treatment Options
Numerous factors are taken into consideration when determining an appropriate, individualized treatment plan for a patient with a newly diagnosed or recurrent sarcoma.
Key factors include tumor size, tumor location, aggressiveness of the tumor and whether or not the tumor has spread to other parts of the body.
One or more of the following types of treatment options can be used:
Surgery: Limb-sparing, function preserving surgery, with or without radiation therapy, is the surgical approach for the majority of patients with an extremity sarcoma. The tumor, along with a margin of normal tissue around it, is removed in its entirety. In the past, amputation was the standard surgical approach, but with limb sparing procedures an amputation is rarely indicated now-a-days. For tumors that are in the abdomen or retroperitoneum, major, complex abdominal operations are often required. The extent of such of abdominal operations varies on the type of sarcoma. Surgery, in certain circumstances, is also used to remove tumors that have spread (metastasized) to organs such as the lung and liver with the goal of potentially improving survival.
Chemotherapy: The use of traditional cytotoxic drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancerous cells is commonly employed in the treatment of various types of bone and soft tissue sarcomas. Chemotherapy can be administered prior to surgery as part of a multimodality treatment approach in conjunction with radiation therapy or it can be administered as sole therapy in patients with advanced tumors. However, due to the rarity and diversity of sarcomas, chemotherapy should be administered by a medical oncologist with expertise and experience in the management of patients with sarcomas. Furthermore, our sarcoma medical oncologists are up-to-date with the array of novel drugs that are being identified and used in the treatment of sarcomas and are actively involved in national and international sarcoma clinical trials.
Radiation Therapy: Radiation plays a key role in the multimodality treatment of many bone and soft tissue sarcomas and is an integral component in the management of patients with soft tissue sarcomas of the extremity and trunk. Radiation is also routinely used in the palliative setting to improve quality of life.
Our radiation oncologists use cutting edge techniques, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy and proton therapy, that minimize the potential toxicity of radiation to the surrounding normal tissues. Proton therapy is a form of radiation that can deliver treatment precisely to the tumor while reducing or eliminating radiation to nearby normal tissues. The Emory Proton Therapy Center is the only center in the state of Georgia to offer this advanced form of radiation therapy. Proton therapy is often used in the treatment of chordomas and chondrosarcomas, as well as other types of sarcoma in selected cases where it may reduce side effects of treatment.
Clinical Trials
In addition to standard therapy, participating in clinical trials may be an option in certain cases. Clinical trials provide patients access to new medications that are being developed to treat sarcoma. Consider talking with your doctor about participating in a clinical trial at Winship.
Supportive Oncology Care
In addition to delivering the highest quality medical care, we recognize the importance of the psychological and emotional aspects of living with a cancer diagnosis and of dealing with treatment. Our supportive oncology team addresses these issues in a timely manner with additional support from counselors, nurse navigators, dietitians and social service professionals.
Your Treatment Team
- Physicians
- Physician Diagnosticians
- Nurse Navigators
- Adv Practice
- Nurses
- Support Services
- Clinical Trials
- All
Rebecca Arnold LCSW, OSW-C
- Social Worker

Rebecca Arnold LCSW, OSW-C
- Ms. Arnold works with patients of all cancer types providing resource referrals and counseling services.
- Social Worker, Medical Oncology, Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital
- rebecca.arnold@emoryhealthcare.org
- (678) 843-7021
Wendy Baer MD
- Psychiatric Oncologist

Wendy Baer MD
- Dr. Baer helps patients and their families deal with the stress of receiving a cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
- Medical Director of Psychiatric Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Armita Bahrami MD
- Pathologist

Armita Bahrami MD
- Dr. Bahrami is a surgical pathologist with an interest in the molecular pathogenesis of soft tissue sarcoma and melanoma.
- Acting Professor, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
- armita.bahrami@emory.edu
- (404) 712-5947
Tiffany Barrett MS, RD, CSO, LD
- Nutrition Advisor

Tiffany Barrett MS, RD, CSO, LD
- Ms. Barrett leads the nutritional services team at all Winship locations providing personalized nutrition advice to patients who are undergoing cancer treatment.
- Manager of Winship Dietitians, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- tiffany.barrett@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-5646
Zachary L. Bercu MD, RPVI
- Interventional Radiologist

Zachary L. Bercu MD, RPVI
- Dr. Bercu's clinical specialties include vascular and interventional radiology.
- Assistant Program Director for Interventional Radiology Residency and Fellowship Program, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-4747
Russell Brown LCSW
- Social Worker

Russell Brown LCSW
- Mr. Brown works with gastrointestinal, genitourinary, breast cancer, brain cancer, gynecological, aerodigestive, and sarcoma patients at Emory University Hospital Midtown.
- Social Worker, Medical Oncology, Emory University Hospital Midtown
- russell.h.brown@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 686-5191
Kenneth Cardona MD, FACS
- Surgical Oncologist

Kenneth Cardona MD, FACS
- Dr. Cardona is a board certified surgeon and surgical oncologist who specializes in the management of retroperitoneal sarcomas and soft tissue sarcomas. Additionally, he is an expert in the treatment of complex gastrointestinal malignancies (such as stomach, pancreas, and liver cancers).
- Sarcoma Disease Team Lead, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 686-3203
Hannah H. Collins NP
- Nurse Practitioner

Hannah H. Collins NP
- Ms. Collins is a Nurse Practitioner for the Phase I Clinical Trial Unit at Winship Cancer Institute.
- Phase I Clinical Trials Nurse Practitioner, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Kimberly A. Curseen MD
- Supportive Oncologist

Kimberly A. Curseen MD
- Board certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, Dr. Curseen is the primary provider for the Supportive Oncology Clinic at Winship.
- Director of Supportive and Palliative Care Outpatient Services , Emory Healthcare
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-6448
Keith Delman MD, FACS
- Surgical Oncologist

Keith Delman MD, FACS
- Dr. Delman specializes in the minimally-invasive surgical treatment of melanoma.
- Co-Chair, Melanoma Working Group, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0680
Bree Eaton MD
- Radiation Oncologist

Bree Eaton MD
- Dr. Eaton specializes in the treatment of brain and spine tumors, sarcomas and pediatric malignancies, with a particular focus in the use of proton therapy.
- Pediatric Medical Director, Emory Proton Therapy Center
- proton-referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- 1 (833) 3PROTON (377-6866)
Alexis Galambos MS, RD, LD
- Nutrition Advisor

Alexis Galambos MS, RD, LD
- Ms. Galambos offers personalized nutrition advice to optimize health throughout the stages of cancer, from diagnosis to survivorship.
- Registered Dietitian, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- alexis.galambos@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Heather G. Gatcombe MD
- Radiation Oncologist

Heather G. Gatcombe MD
- Dr. Gatcombe practices general radiation oncology at Emory Decatur Hospital and Emory Hillandale Hospital.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- radonc-referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 501-6925
Karen Godette MD
- Radiation Oncologist

Karen Godette MD
- Dr. Godette specializes in brachytherapy, intraoperative radiation therapy and proton therapy for breast and prostate cancers, and soft tissue sarcoma.
- Medical Director of Radiation Oncology, Emory University Hospital Midtown
- radonc-referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 686-2391
Felix M. Gonzalez MD
- Radiologist

Felix M. Gonzalez MD
- Dr. Felix is a board certified diagnostic radiologist specializing in musculoskeletal imaging and intervention.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3350
Valerie Henderson MSW
- Social Worker

Valerie Henderson MSW
- Ms. Henderson assists radiation oncology and medical oncology patients at Emory University Hospital Midtown.
- Social Worker, Medical Oncology and Radiation Oncology, Emory University Hospital Midtown
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Elise Hitron MSN, FNP-C
- Nurse Practitioner

Elise Hitron MSN, FNP-C
- Ms. Hitron is a Nurse Practitioner in the Phase I Clinical Trial Unit at Winship Cancer Institute.
- Phase I Clinical Trials Nurse Practitioner, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Sandra J. Karem LCSW
- Social Worker

Sandra J. Karem LCSW
- Ms. Karem works at Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital with patients of all cancer types providing resource referrals and counseling services.
- Social Worker, Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital
- sandra.karem@emoryhealthcare.org
- (678) 843-7826
Rachel Keller RD, LD
- Nutrition Advisor

Rachel Keller RD, LD
- Ms. Keller offers advice and counseling to help patients optimize their health and nutrition from diagnosis to survivorship.
- Registered Dietitian, Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital
- rachel.keller@emoryhealthcare.org
- (678) 843-7115
Ashish Khanna MD
- Cancer Rehabilitation Specialist

Ashish Khanna MD
- Dr. Khanna focuses on the identification and treatment of neuromuscular, musculoskeletal and other issues resulting from cancer and related treatments.
- Director of Cancer Rehabilitation, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Nima Kokabi MD, FRCP
- Interventional Radiologist

Nima Kokabi MD, FRCP
- Dr. Kokabi specializes in interventional oncology including liver directed therapies for primary and metastatic liver tumors, treatment of kidney tumors and minimally invasive therapies for bone and soft tissue tumors.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-4747
Colleen Lewis NP
- Nurse Practitioner

Colleen Lewis NP
- Ms. Lewis is Director of Clinical Operations for the Phase I Clinical Trials Program at Winship Cancer Institute.
- Director of Clinical Operations, Phase I Clinical Trials Program, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Janice M. Newsome MD, FSIR
- Interventional Radiologist

Janice M. Newsome MD, FSIR
- Dr. Newsome's clinical specialties include uterine fibroid embolization, ablative and catheter-directed treatments for cancer, among others.
- Division Director and Chief, Interventional Radiology and Image-Guided Medicine, Emory University Hospital Midtown
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-4747
Shervin V. Oskouei MD
- Orthopedic Oncologist

Shervin V. Oskouei MD
- Dr. Oskouei is an expert in the treatment of musculoskeletal tumors, performing hundreds of total hip and total knee replacements annually and leading in the use of stem cells to treat arthritis of the hip and knee.
- Director, Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-7777
Caroline Peacock LCSW, MDiv
- Spiritual Health Manager

Caroline Peacock LCSW, MDiv
- Caroline has a passion for offering compassionate, respectful, and effective patient/family-centered care in a multi-faith, multi-cultural environment.
- Manager of Spiritual Health Support and Community Care, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- caroline.peacock@emory.edu
- (470) 446-7844
Allan Pickens MD
- Cardiothoracic Surgeon

Allan Pickens MD
- A leading thoracic surgeon, Dr. Pickens specializes in lung cancer, lung transplantation, esophageal cancer, and minimally invasive thoracoscopic and robotic thoracic surgery.
- Director of Thoracic Oncology, Emory University Hospital Midtown
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 686-2515
William Read MD
- Medical Oncologist

William Read MD
- Dr. Read is a medical oncologist who cares for patients with gynecologic malignancies, brain tumors, sarcomas of soft tissue and bone and complicated skin cancers.
- Associate Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Nickolas B. Reimer MD
- Orthopedic Oncologist

Nickolas B. Reimer MD
- Dr. Reimer collaborates with the sarcoma team at Winship Cancer Institute to deliver world-class, musculoskeletal oncology care.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-7777
Nancy Reynics NP
- Nurse Practitioner

Nancy Reynics NP
- Working with the surgical oncology team, Ms. Reynics coordinates care for breast cancer, gastrointestinal cancers, melanoma and sarcoma patients.
- Nurse Practitioner, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Monica Rizzo MD, FACS
- Surgical Oncologist

Monica Rizzo MD, FACS
- Dr. Rizzo is a board certified surgeon who specializes in the management of melanoma, breast cancer, and soft tissue sarcoma.
- Professor, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 686-1343
Maria C. Russell MD
- Surgical Oncologist

Maria C. Russell MD
- Dr. Russell's treats tumors of the liver, biliary tract, pancreas, spleen and gallbladder, metastatic tumors to the liver, tumors of the gastrointestinal tract, neuroendocrine tumors, melanoma and metastatic melanoma.
- Associate Professor, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0680
Adam D. Singer MD
- Radiologist

Adam D. Singer MD
- Dr. Singer is a board certified diagnostic radiologist specializing in musculoskeletal ultrasound and MRI.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3350
Vinita Singh MD
- Pain Management Specialist

Vinita Singh MD
- Dr. Singh collaborates with oncologists to provide state-of-the-art therapies to cancer patients suffering from pain symptoms.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine
- vinita.singh@emory.edu
- (404) 686-2410
Sibo Tian MD
- Radiation Oncologist

Sibo Tian MD
- Dr. Tian specializes in the treatment of patients with lung cancer, sarcoma, and breast cancer.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- radonc-referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 686-2391
Monica B. Umpierrez MD
- Radiologist

Monica B. Umpierrez MD
- Dr. Umpierrez is a board certified diagnostic radiologist specializing in musculoskeletal ultrasound and MRI.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-5050
Felicia Williams DNP, FNP-C, AOCNP
- Nurse Practitioner

Felicia Williams DNP, FNP-C, AOCNP
- Dr. Williams is the lead advanced practice provider with the medical oncology team at Emory University Hospital Midtown.
- Lead Advanced Practice Provider, Medical Oncology, Emory University Hospital Midtown
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Melinda L. Yushak MD, MPH
- Medical Oncologist

Melinda L. Yushak MD, MPH
- Dr. Yushak's clinical focus is in treating sarcoma and melanoma patients.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0680
Ali J. Zarrabi MD
- Supportive Oncologist

Ali J. Zarrabi MD
- Dr. Zarrabi provides physical, emotional, and spiritual care for patients living with serious illness.
- Associate Director, Outpatient Supportive and Palliative Care, The Emory Clinic
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-6448