Treating bone diseases is a challenge, much like an art form where we must repair as close to nature as possible so that the body can be used again. When patients recover with a good quality of life and live longer after surgery, it brings pride and happiness to the treating doctor, creating a meaningful value in life for themselves as well. 

Expertise comes from dedication and commitment to care 

Dr. Banjobe Ariyaboonsiri, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in bone tumors and bone cancer, views treating bone diseases as a challenge akin to art — restoring the body as close to natural as possible for it to function again. He continuously develops treatment approaches to maximize patient benefit. He has gained knowledge and experience in bone cancer treatment from training abroad in Japan and Italy. He then returned to advance treatments focusing on limb-sparing surgery. For example, in cases of bone cancer in the leg, only the affected bone is removed and replaced with a metal implant, allowing the patient to still walk and live a near-normal life. 

Clear communication about treatment outcomes 

Whenever patients come for treatment, they often ask if they will be cured. Banjobe always clarifies that the treatment outcome depends on the tumor’s location and the disease stage. The main principles of bone cancer treatment include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Beyond that, care for the patient’s physical and mental health requires cooperation among the medical team, staff, caregivers, family members, and most importantly, the patient themselves. 

Though physical, the disease affects mental health 

Hence, treatment is based on understanding. 

Understanding the disease to design appropriate treatment 

“Bone tumors and bone cancer mostly affect young people in their schooling years — a time of hope for their families. When the family’s heart is ill, it deeply impacts the mental health of parents, relatives, and family members. Bone cancer is a serious disease with significant effects on patients and their families. Although physical, it profoundly affects patients’ and families’ mental well-being. Knowing this, we strive to provide the best treatment possible for each individual. Alongside treatment, I encourage and provide clear information to patients and their families. Communication must foster hope based on reality, without destroying the patient’s hope, so they stay motivated and ready to complete each treatment step.” 

Comprehensive treatment requires detailed planning 

“I cannot treat each patient alone. We provide care as part of a multidisciplinary team, integrating specialists from related fields to ensure the best benefit for the patient. One case I clearly remember involved a patient who was the hope of their family — a fourth-year engineering student about to graduate in one week. However, a biopsy revealed bone cancer. The patient and family were very stressed. Following surgery and treatment as recommended, over 6 years later, the patient now works as an engineer at a well-known company, fulfilling their dream with a good quality of life. Restoring quality of life to patients and their families brings great joy and motivates me to continuously improve treatment.”