When Is Tumour Removal Surgery Recommended for Bone Cancer?

Planning depends on the bone involved, the tumour's size and position, nearby nerves and blood vessels, and whether the cancer has spread elsewhere. The surgeon may remove the tumour and reconstruct the bone with a graft, implant or another method. In some situations, removing the affected limb or part of it is considered when reconstruction would not be safe or functional.

Bone cancer treatment often combines surgery with other care. For some tumour types, chemotherapy or radiotherapy is given before or after the operation. Imaging of the affected area and chest helps the team plan the sequence and check for disease outside the main tumour.

Ask whether the biopsy was planned with the surgical route in mind, because the biopsy track may need removal with the tumour. Discuss how the proposed operation could affect walking, lifting, sensation or joint movement, and what reconstruction and rehabilitation would involve.

A specialist sarcoma team can coordinate the surgeon, oncologist, radiologist, pathologist and rehabilitation staff. Tell them about your mobility, work, sport, pain medicines and other health conditions so recovery planning reflects your daily needs.

Get urgent assessment for sudden severe limb pain, a new inability to bear weight, rapidly increasing swelling, numbness or weakness, a cold or pale limb, fever, or breathing difficulty. These signs can reflect fracture, pressure on nerves or blood vessels, infection, or spread affecting the lungs.

Can the tumour be removed while preserving the limb? Which structures are close to it? What reconstruction is proposed? How might surgery change movement or strength? Which treatments come before surgery, and how will rehabilitation be organised?