Does tumour removal surgery treat osteosarcoma?

Osteosarcoma develops in bone and can extend into nearby soft tissue. Surgeons aim to remove the visible tumour with a margin of surrounding tissue while preserving as much movement and strength as possible. Depending on the tumour's position and size, limb-sparing surgery may be considered; in other situations, a different operation is needed.

The treatment team may use imaging to map the tumour and check other parts of the body. Chemotherapy may be given before or after surgery, and the exact plan depends on the biopsy, tumour location, response to treatment and the person's overall health. Reconstruction can involve a graft, implant or another method chosen for the affected bone.

Ask for care from a specialist team familiar with bone cancers. Bring imaging and biopsy reports if they were performed elsewhere. Before an operation, discuss the intended margin, reconstruction, rehabilitation, pain control and how treatment may affect walking, lifting or another nearby joint. Tell the team about new pain, weakness or a change in the lump while planning is under way.

Contact the treating team promptly for rapidly worsening bone pain, a growing swelling, a new inability to use the limb, or pain after a minor injury that does not settle. After surgery, urgent assessment is needed for heavy bleeding, increasing redness or drainage, fever, severe swelling, chest pain or sudden breathlessness.

Ask what the biopsy and scans show, whether chemotherapy is recommended around surgery, which surgical options are suitable, and what reconstruction and rehabilitation would involve. Ask how the team will monitor the operated bone and check for disease in other areas.