About Bone Cancer
Key Highlights
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Curative Intent: Aims to completely remove cancerous tissue, offering the best chance for a cure, especially for localized tumors.Limb Preservation: Modern techniques often allow for tumor removal while saving the limb, maintaining mobility and quality of life.Pain Relief: Effectively alleviates the severe pain and discomfort caused by the tumor's growth and pressure.listrongPrevents Fractures:/strong Removes weakened bone, significantly reducing the risk of pathological fractures./lilistrongMultidisciplinary Approach:/strong Performed as part of a coordinated plan with medical and radiation oncology for optimal outcomes./li/ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Diagnosis of a primary malignant bone tumor (e.g., osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, chondrosarcoma).
- Localized bone cancer that has not widely metastasized (spread) to other organs.
- Severe, intractable bone pain unresponsive to other treatments.
- Imminent or existing pathological fracture due to tumor weakening of the bone.
- To remove a tumor that is causing nerve compression or significant functional impairment.
- As a palliative procedure to control symptoms in advanced cases, even if not curative.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive Imaging: Undergo detailed scans (MRI, CT, PET-CT) to precisely map the tumor's size, location, and relationship to nerves and blood vessels.
- Biopsy Confirmation: A needle or surgical biopsy is performed beforehand to definitively diagnose the cancer type and grade.
- Medical Optimization: Complete pre-operative tests (blood work, heart function) and manage any other health conditions like diabetes or hypertension.
- Neoadjuvant Therapy: Often, several cycles of chemotherapy are given before surgery to shrink the tumor, making it easier to remove.
- Patient Counseling: Detailed discussions with the surgical, oncology, and rehabilitation teams about the procedure, risks, recovery, and expected functional outcomes.
- Logistical Planning: Arrange for post-surgery support at home, possible blood donation (autologous), and fasting as instructed before the operation.
Risks & possible complications
- General Surgical Risks: Infection, bleeding (hemorrhage), blood clots (deep vein thrombosis), and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
- Nerve or Blood Vessel Damage: Potential injury leading to numbness, weakness, or circulation problems in the limb.
- Local Recurrence: Risk of the cancer returning in the same area if not all microscopic cells are removed.
- Non-union or Implant Failure: The reconstructed bone may not heal properly, or the metal implant/prosthesis could loosen or break over time.
- Functional Limitation: Persistent stiffness, reduced range of motion, or weakness in the affected limb despite rehabilitation.
- Amputation-related Complications: For necessary amputations, risks include phantom limb pain, stump pain, and psychological adjustment challenges.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Immediate Post-Op: Hospital stay for pain management, monitoring for complications, and beginning gentle mobilization.
- Wound Care: Keeping the surgical site clean and dry, watching for signs of infection (redness, swelling, discharge).
- Physical Therapy: A critical, phased rehabilitation program starts soon after surgery to restore strength, mobility, and function.
- Adjuvant Therapy: Often, additional chemotherapy or radiation is required after recovery from surgery to target any remaining cancer cells.
- Long-term Follow-up: Regular imaging scans (X-rays, CTs) and clinic visits for years to monitor for recurrence and manage any late effects.
- Psychosocial Support: Access to counseling or support groups to help cope with the emotional and physical changes.
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Typical hospital stay: 5-14 days
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Expected recovery time: 6-12 months for full functional recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering bone cancer in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with surgical oncology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform bone cancer. MediFyr helps you compare surgical oncologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for bone cancer compare across other countries where we have data.
Angel Roy, a 58-year-old retired construction...
Angel Roy, a 58-year-old retired construction foreman and grandfather of four, had always been active. For six months, he dismissed a persistent, deep ache in his right thigh as 'old age' or a pulled muscle from gardening. When the pain became severe enough to wake him at night and he felt a firm lump, his wife insisted he see a doctor. An X-ray revealed a suspicious lesion, and a biopsy confirmed osteosarcoma. His surgical oncologist, Dr. Evans, explained that limb-salvage surgery was possible but complex, requiring removal of the tumor and a section of his femur, replaced with a metal prosthesis. Angel was terrified of losing his leg and his independence. The surgery was long, but successful. His initial recovery in the hospital was tough, filled with pain and frustration at his limitations. With intensive physical therapy, he slowly regained mobility. A year later, walking with a slight limp but without assistance, Angel feels grateful. The emotional journey was from denial and fear of being a burden to a hard-won acceptance and a renewed focus on enjoying time with his family, adapting his hobbies instead of giving them up.
Surgical Oncologists for Bone Cancer
Explore experienced surgical oncologists who regularly perform bone cancer and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 9 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 39 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore