This page is about the team of health professionals who plan and support your care. This is called a multidisciplinary team (MDT).
What is an MDT?
If you’ve been diagnosed with sarcoma, a team of healthcare professionals will work together to plan the treatment that is best for you. This is called a multidisciplinary team (MDT).
What does the MDT do?
The MDT meet to:
- look at your medical details
- look at your test and scan results
- make recommendations about your treatment.
When do the MDT meet?
The MDT usually meets once a week, but this can be different in some hospitals.
Will I meet the sarcoma MDT?
You may not meet every person in the MDT. You will usually meet the members of the team who are directly involved in your care. Your consultant, CNS or key worker should explain what the MDT has recommended.
You can ask your consultant, CNS or key worker any questions.
Who is in a sarcoma MDT?
Some of the following health professionals may be involved in your care:
Sarcoma surgeons
A surgeon treats sarcoma by removing the tumour from your body in an operation.
If you need an operation, surgeons will explain the type of operation you need, the benefits and risks of doing it, and what the recovery will be like after surgery. They will also meet you after an operation, to check how you are recovering and support you.
Depending on your type of sarcoma, you may meet:
Orthopaedic surgeon
Specialises in surgery of the bones, joints, and other structures involved in body movement.
Thoracic surgeon
Specialises in surgery of the chest wall and organs in the chest including the heart, lungs and oesophagus (food pipe).
Plastic surgeon
Specialises in reconstruction. They may be involved in the treatment of skin sarcomas or in reconstruction after surgery.
Head and neck surgeon
Specialises in surgery of the head and neck including the ears, nose, throat and skull.
Gynaecological surgeon
Specialises in surgery of the female reproductive organs. This includes the womb, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and vagina.
Gastrointestinal surgeon
Specialises in surgery of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The GI tract is a long tube running from your mouth to your bottom. It also includes the stomach and intestines.
Vascular surgeon
Specialises in surgery of the vascular system. This is the body’s arteries and veins.
Neurosurgeon
Specialises in the treatment of disorders of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system (the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord).
Doctors working in sarcoma
Doctors who treat cancer such as sarcoma are called oncologists. Medical oncologists treat cancer using medicines, such as chemotherapy. Clinical oncologists treat cancer with radiotherapy. These treatments aim to kill cancer cells, shrink the tumour, or lower the risk of the cancer coming back.
Depending on your treatment plan, you may meet:
Medical oncologist
A medical oncologist treats cancer with medicines.
This may include:
- chemotherapy
- targeted therapy
- immunotherapy.
Medical oncologists also monitor any side effects and change your treatment if needed.
Clinical oncologist
A clinical oncologist treats cancer with radiotherapy. Some also give other medicines.
They:
- plan your radiotherapy
- decide the dose and area to treat
- check how well the treatment is working.
Radiologist
A radiologist looks at scans and X-rays to help diagnose sarcoma and show where the tumour is in your body. This helps your MDT plan treatment.
The health professional who carries out your scans and X-rays is called a radiographer.
Pathologist
A pathologist looks at cells or body tissue under a microscope to help diagnose sarcoma.
Clinical nurse specialist (CNS) or key worker
Your CNS or key worker is your main point of contact.
They:
- support you through diagnosis and treatment
- answer any questions you may have
- help you understand your treatment plan
- can be your direct point of contact at the hospital for questions and support.
Sarcoma rehabilitation specialists
You may also meet other health professionals, including:
Physiotherapist
They give advice about exercise and mobility.
Occupational therapist
They help you manage daily life. They can suggest ways to make everyday tasks easier.
Psychologist or counsellor
They support your emotional wellbeing.
Dietitian
They give advice about food and food supplements.
Not sure who to contact?
Your CNS or key worker is usually your main contact. If you have not been given one, ask your hospital team who you should contact with questions.
If you have any more questions about the MDT, or if you need to talk to someone, our Support Line team are here for you.
Was this information useful?
Quality assurance
We are a PIF TICK certified charity, which means our health information is produced to the highest possible standards.
Last reviewed June 2026 | Next review due June 2029
All references are available upon request. Please email info@sarcoma.org.uk
