Osteosarcoma
A primary bone cancer that develops from cells involved in forming bone. It commonly affects the long bones of the arms or legs and is more frequently diagnosed in children and young adults, although it can occur at other ages.
Understanding Bone Cancer
Bone Cancer: Symptoms, Stages, Diagnosis & Treatment
Bone cancers require highly specialised care that balances complete tumour removal with preservation of mobility and long-term function.
Overview
Cancer That Starts in Bone, or Spreads to It
Bone cancer may begin in the bone itself or reach the bone after spreading from another part of the body. Understanding whether the cancer is primary or metastatic is important for diagnosis and treatment planning.
At SSO Hospitals, we treat both primary bone cancers and cancers that have spread to the bone using evidence-based protocols, advanced imaging and organ-specific surgical expertise. Our focus is not just disease control, but helping patients return to an active, functional life wherever possible.
- Primary Bone Cancer — Cancer begins in the cells or tissues of the bone.
- Abnormal Cell Growth — Abnormal cells multiply and may form a tumour within the bone.
- Local Tumour Growth — The tumour may grow within the bone and affect surrounding tissues.
- Metastatic Bone Disease — Cancer that begins elsewhere in the body can spread to the bones.
- Assessment & Treatment Planning — Imaging, biopsy and multidisciplinary assessment help determine the nature and extent of the disease and guide treatment.
Symptoms
Early Signs Are Easy to Mistake for a Routine Injury
Symptoms vary with the tumour's size, location and stage. Early symptoms can be subtle and may resemble common orthopaedic conditions, which is why persistent or unexplained changes should be evaluated.
Clinical picture
Stages, types and how we diagnose
Bone cancer is staged according to factors such as the tumour's size, grade and whether it has spread. Staging helps determine the extent of disease and guide treatment planning.
1Stage
Localised Bone Cancer
A low-grade malignant tumour is confined to the bone, generally grows more slowly and has a lower risk of spread. Treatment often focuses on complete surgical removal, with limb-sparing techniques considered where appropriate.
2Stage
High-grade localised
A high-grade tumour remains confined to the bone but is biologically more aggressive and has a higher risk of recurrence or spread. Treatment may involve surgery along with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy depending on the tumour type.
3Stage
Multiple local tumour sites
Cancer may involve more than one area within the same bone or nearby locations while remaining without established distant spread. Treatment is planned according to the tumour's extent and biology.
4Stage
Metastatic disease
The cancer has spread beyond the primary bone to distant sites, including other bones or organs. Treatment may involve a combination of systemic therapy, surgery, radiotherapy and supportive care depending on the individual case.
Bone cancer staging can vary according to the specific type of tumour. The treating team determines the final stage using imaging, biopsy findings and other clinical information.
Primary bone cancers are classified according to the type of bone or connective-tissue cell from which they develop. Common types include:
Ewing Sarcoma
A cancer that can develop in bone or soft tissue and is more commonly diagnosed in children, adolescents and young adults.
Chondrosarcoma
A cancer that develops from cartilage-producing cells. It is more commonly diagnosed in adults and can occur in the pelvis, shoulder, ribs and other bones.
Ewing Sarcoma
A rare and aggressive cancer that can develop in bone or soft tissue and is more commonly seen in children, adolescents and young adults.
Other Rare Bone Tumours
Several less common primary bone tumours can arise from different types of bone or connective tissue cells.
Metastatic Bone Cancer
Cancer that has spread to the bone from another primary cancer, such as breast, lung, prostate or kidney cancer.
Diagnosing bone cancer involves assessing the affected area through imaging and, when required, examining a tissue sample to determine whether cancer is present and identify its type.
Clinical Assessment
The doctor evaluates symptoms, medical history, physical findings and the affected area.
Imaging
X-rays may provide an initial assessment of the bone. MRI, CT, bone scans or PET-CT may be used to understand the tumour's size, location and possible spread.
Biopsy
A biopsy involves removing a sample of tissue from the suspected tumour for examination under a microscope. It is an important step in confirming the diagnosis and identifying the tumour type.
Staging & Spread Assessment
Additional imaging and investigations may be performed to determine whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Multidisciplinary Evaluation
Orthopaedic oncologists, medical oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and other specialists may work together to develop an appropriate treatment plan.
All biopsies are coordinated with the surgical team to ensure they align with eventual treatment plans.
Risk & treatment
Bone Cancer Causes & Risk Factors
A bone lesion or abnormality on imaging does not necessarily mean cancer. A specialist evaluation and appropriate diagnostic testing are required for an accurate diagnosis.
Age — Certain primary bone cancers are more commonly diagnosed in specific age groups.
Previous Radiation Therapy
Previous exposure to therapeutic radiation may increase the risk of developing certain bone cancers.
Certain Genetic Conditions
Some inherited conditions can increase the risk of particular bone tumours.
Paget's Disease of Bone
In rare cases, Paget's disease can be associated with the development of bone cancer, particularly in older adults.
Previous Cancer
A history of cancer can be relevant when evaluating a bone lesion, particularly because cancers from other organs can spread to bone.
Bone Cancer Treatment
Treatment for bone cancer depends on the tumour type, location, grade, stage and whether the disease has spread. Depending on the individual case, treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or systemic therapies. Surgical treatment may include limb-sparing procedures where appropriate, with reconstruction planned to support mobility and function.
Limb-sparing surgery involves replacing the affected bone with custom implants, prostheses, or bone grafts, allowing patients to retain mobility and independence. Amputation is considered only when safe margins cannot be achieved with limb preservation.
Bone Cancer Treatment
Surgery
Limb-Sparing Surgery
Chemotherapy
Radiotherapy
Reconstruction
Reconstruction
Systemic Therapy
Rehabilitation
Treatment is individualised according to the type and extent of cancer. A multidisciplinary team works together to balance cancer control with preservation of mobility, function and quality of life.
Why SSO?
Why Choose SSO Hospitals for Bone Cancer Care?
Bone cancer treatment requires specialised surgical planning alongside appropriate cancer therapies and rehabilitation. At SSO Hospitals, care is coordinated across orthopaedic oncology and other relevant specialties.
- Orthopaedic Oncology Expertise — Specialist evaluation and surgical planning for primary and metastatic bone disease.
- Function-Preserving Approach — Treatment planning considers both complete tumour removal and preservation of mobility and function wherever possible.
- Advanced Imaging & Diagnosis — Imaging and tissue diagnosis help determine the location, extent and nature of the tumour.
- Multidisciplinary Care — Orthopaedic oncologists work with medical oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and physiotherapists.
- Rehabilitation Support — Rehabilitation forms an important part of recovery following appropriate treatment.
Our specialists
Our Bone Cancer Specialists
Meet our specialists involved in the diagnosis and treatment of bone and soft-tissue cancers.
25+ YrsDr. Chetan Anchan
Bone Tumours · Soft Tissue Tumours · Sarcoma Surgery · Musculoskeletal Oncology · Skeletal Metastases
SSO Cancer Hospital, Andheri West
7+ YrsDr. Deep Gala
Blood Disorders · Blood Cancers · Leukemia · Lymphoma · Multiple Myeloma · Bone Marrow Transplantation · Cellular Therapy · Immunotherapy
SSO Cancer Hospital Andheri West · Borivali · SRCC
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Bone Cancer
If yours isn't here, call +91 - 8976897203 and ask us directly.
Common symptoms include persistent or worsening bone pain, swelling or a lump, reduced movement around a joint and, in some cases, a fracture without significant injury.
Some primary bone cancers can be treated with curative intent, particularly when they are localised and can be completely removed. Treatment depends on the tumour type, grade, stage and response to therapy.
Not necessarily. Many tumours affecting the limbs can be treated with limb-sparing surgery when the tumour can be safely removed while preserving a functional limb. Amputation may be considered when adequate tumour removal and a functional limb cannot otherwise be achieved.
Survival varies considerably depending on the type and stage of bone cancer, tumour characteristics, response to treatment and whether the cancer has spread. Population-level survival statistics cannot predict an individual patient's outcome.
Yes. Many bone tumours are benign and do not spread like cancer. Imaging and, when required, biopsy and pathological evaluation help determine whether a bone lesion is benign or malignant.
The exact cause of most primary bone cancers is unknown. Certain inherited conditions, previous radiation therapy and some other medical conditions can increase the risk of particular bone cancers.
Primary bone cancer starts in the cells of the bone. Bone metastasis occurs when cancer that began elsewhere in the body spreads to the bone. These are different conditions and require different treatment approaches.
Yes. Primary bone cancers can spread to other parts of the body, with the lungs being a common site of distant spread. The risk depends on the tumour type, grade and stage.
Some bone cancers may be treated with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy, depending on their type and location. However, surgery is an important part of treatment for many primary bone cancers when complete tumour removal is possible.
Bone cancer can recur after treatment. The risk depends on the tumour type, stage, grade, location and response to treatment. Regular follow-up helps detect recurrence or metastatic disease as early as possible.
Google reviews
What our patients say about us
Unedited words from patients and families, straight from our review pages.
4.8800+ Google reviews
IMIrshad MulllajiGoogle review
“My wife is under treatment of Dr Chetan Anchan… large bone pathological fracture curettage and reconstruction, successfully done. He is a great man, great doctor, always there for patients.”
PSPriti ShahGoogle review
“Dr. Sanket Mehta is a life saving doctor, he treated my father and cured his colon cancer. Ms. Rida from Charni Road branch helped throughout the follow up.”
IMIrshad MulllajiGoogle review
“My wife is under treatment of Dr Chetan Anchan… large bone pathological fracture curettage and reconstruction, successfully done. He is a great man, great doctor, always there for patients.”
PSPriti ShahGoogle review
“Dr. Sanket Mehta is a life saving doctor, he treated my father and cured his colon cancer. Ms. Rida from Charni Road branch helped throughout the follow up.”
NDNikit DoshiGoogle review
“We are truly thankful to Dr. Jay Anam sir, an excellent onco surgeon. The hospital was clean and well-maintained, and staff were professional yet empathetic.”
MWManasi WaghmareGoogle review
“My mother is treated under Dr. Nilesh Chordiya and his team for breast cancer. SSO supported us financially via CM fund approval.”
NDNikit DoshiGoogle review
“We are truly thankful to Dr. Jay Anam sir, an excellent onco surgeon. The hospital was clean and well-maintained, and staff were professional yet empathetic.”
MWManasi WaghmareGoogle review
“My mother is treated under Dr. Nilesh Chordiya and his team for breast cancer. SSO supported us financially via CM fund approval.”
IMIrshad MulllajiGoogle review
“My wife is under treatment of Dr Chetan Anchan… large bone pathological fracture curettage and reconstruction, successfully done. He is a great man, great doctor, always there for patients.”
NDNikit DoshiGoogle review
“We are truly thankful to Dr. Jay Anam sir, an excellent onco surgeon. The hospital was clean and well-maintained, and staff were professional yet empathetic.”
PSPriti ShahGoogle review
“Dr. Sanket Mehta is a life saving doctor, he treated my father and cured his colon cancer. Ms. Rida from Charni Road branch helped throughout the follow up.”
MWManasi WaghmareGoogle review
“My mother is treated under Dr. Nilesh Chordiya and his team for breast cancer. SSO supported us financially via CM fund approval.”
IMIrshad MulllajiGoogle review
“My wife is under treatment of Dr Chetan Anchan… large bone pathological fracture curettage and reconstruction, successfully done. He is a great man, great doctor, always there for patients.”
NDNikit DoshiGoogle review
“We are truly thankful to Dr. Jay Anam sir, an excellent onco surgeon. The hospital was clean and well-maintained, and staff were professional yet empathetic.”
PSPriti ShahGoogle review
“Dr. Sanket Mehta is a life saving doctor, he treated my father and cured his colon cancer. Ms. Rida from Charni Road branch helped throughout the follow up.”
MWManasi WaghmareGoogle review
“My mother is treated under Dr. Nilesh Chordiya and his team for breast cancer. SSO supported us financially via CM fund approval.”
Care, close to home
Nine centres across Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Belagavi. Pick what's closest and we'll match you to the right surgeon there.
SSO Ghatkopar
HospitalSilver Point, 7th Floor, Specialty Surgical Oncology Hospital and Research Centre, Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, Kasturi Park, Maneklal Estate, Ghatkopar West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400086
089768 97203
SSO Thane
HospitalFirst Floor, Surgical Speciality Oncology Hospital, Highland Sky Arcade, Shop F, 11A and F-12, Naupada, Thane West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400602
089768 97203
SSO Hospital Andheri
Hospital2nd Floor, Specialty Surgical Oncology, New Link Rd, above Bellevue Hospital, next to Audi Showroom, Sahakar Nagar, Azad Nagar, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400053
089768 97201
SSO Chembur
Clinic6th floor, Business Point, Ramakrishna Chemburkar Marg, near Savla Hospital, Chembur Gaothan, Kurla, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400071
089768 97201
SSO Vashi
ClinicNo. 51, Shanti Center Building, 4th floor, Clinic, above Parichay Hotel, Sector 17, Vashi, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 400703
082688 80185
SSO Charni Road
Clinic9th Floor, Mehta Mahal, 9 B, Shrimad Rajchandraji Marg, Charni Road East, Opera House, Girgaon, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400004
089768 97201
SRCC
HospitalNh Srcc Children's Hospital, 1-1A, Keshavrao Khadye Marg, Haji Ali, Haji Ali Government Colony, Mahalakshmi, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400034
089768 97201
Belagavi
Hospital9666A-2/D, behind BUDA Office, Ashok Nagar, Shivaji Nagar, Belgavi, Karnataka 590016
8976897201
Ahmedabad
Hospitalopp. Pandit Dindayal Upadhyay Auditorium Hall, behind Rajpath Rangoli Road, Bodakdev, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380054, India
089768 97201
