Comprehensive Bone Cancer care
Bone cancers require highly specialised care that balances complete tumour removal with preservation of mobility and long-term function.
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.
Overview
Bone cancer may originate in the bone (primary bone cancer) or spread to the bone from another organ (metastatic bone disease).
While primary bone cancers are rare, metastatic involvement of bone is relatively common in advanced cancers such as breast, lung, prostate, and kidney cancers.
At SSO Hospitals, we approach bone cancer care through early diagnosis, precise surgical planning, and coordinated rehabilitation. Our orthopaedic oncology team works closely with medical oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and physiotherapists to ensure treatment decisions are both oncologically sound and function-preserving.
Symptom
Symptoms can vary depending on the tumour’s size, location, and stage. Early symptoms are often subtle and may resemble common orthopaedic conditions, which is why persistent or unexplained changes should be evaluated.
Common symptoms include:
- Persistent deep bone pain, often worsening at night
- Localised swelling or firm lump over bone
- Reduced joint movement or nearby stiffness
- Tenderness on pressure over the affected area
- Limping or an altered walking pattern
- Fatigue or unexplained weight loss
- Weakening of the bone leading to fractures
Even mild or intermittent symptoms that persist should be assessed by a specialist, as early diagnosis significantly influences treatment outcomes.
Bone cancer is staged from Stage I to Stage IV, based on tumour size, grade, and spread:
Stage I (Low-Grade Localised):
Low-grade malignant tumour confined within the bone, growing slowly with minimal metastatic risk, often treated with complete surgical excision and limb-sparing techniques.
Stage II (High-Grade Localised):
High-grade tumour restricted to the bone, biologically aggressive with higher recurrence risk, typically requiring surgery combined with chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Stage III (High-Grade Multifocal):
High-grade cancer with multiple tumour areas within the same bone compartment, indicating extensive local disease requiring wider surgical resection.
Stage IV (Metastatic):
Cancer has spread beyond the primary bone to distant organs or other bones, most commonly the lungs, requiring multimodal systemic and surgical management.
Staging helps guide treatment planning, surgical extent, and the need for additional therapies such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Bone cancers are broadly classified based on where they originate and the type of cells involved.
Primary bone cancers arise directly from bone or cartilage, while secondary (metastatic) bone cancers spread from another organ.
Each type differs in age distribution, growth pattern, response to therapy, and surgical approach.
Ewing’s Sarcoma: A rare but aggressive cancer usually seen in children and young adults, commonly affecting the pelvis, ribs, or long bones.
Chondrosarcoma: A cartilage-forming tumour seen more often in adults, usually growing slowly but resistant to chemotherapy, making surgery the primary treatment.
Metastatic Bone Disease: Cancer that has spread to bone from another primary site. Management focuses on pain control, fracture prevention, and maintaining mobility, alongside systemic cancer treatment.
Accurate diagnosis is critical to planning safe and effective treatment. We follow a stepwise, evidence-based diagnostic approach.
Diagnostic tools include:
X-ray: First-line imaging to detect bone destruction, abnormal growth patterns, or fractures suggestive of malignancy. It helps identify the need for advanced imaging.
MRI Provides a detailed assessment of tumour extent within bone marrow and surrounding soft tissues, essential for staging and limb-sparing surgical planning.
PET scan: Assesses metabolic activity to identify distant spread to other bones or organs and evaluate overall disease burden.
CT scan: Offers precise evaluation of cortical bone involvement and complex anatomy, supporting surgical reconstruction planning and detection of subtle bone changes.
Biopsy: Confirms diagnosis through tissue sampling, carefully planned to preserve future surgical options and ensure accurate pathological interpretation.
All biopsies are coordinated with the surgical team to ensure they align with eventual treatment plans.
Causes and risk factors
While many bone cancers occur without a clear cause, certain factors increase risk:
- Genetic syndromes such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome and hereditary retinoblastoma, which involve mutations affecting tumour suppression
- Previous radiation therapy, especially high-dose radiation to bones during childhood
- Paget’s disease of bone, where abnormal bone remodelling increases malignant transformation risk
- Prior cancer treatments, particularly chemotherapy and radiotherapy, received at a young age
- Inherited bone disorders that affect bone growth and structure
When Surgery is Needed
Surgery remains the cornerstone of treatment for most bone tumours. The goal is complete tumour removal with clear margins, while preserving limb function whenever possible.
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.
Surgery may also be required for:
- Diagnostic biopsy
- Stabilising pathological fractures
- Reconstructing joints after tumour removal
- Relieving pain or restoring function in metastatic disease
Each surgical plan is individualised based on tumour biology, location, stage, and patient needs.
Why SSO for
Bone Cancer Treatment?
We bring together deep subspecialty expertise and coordinated care under one roof.
- Dedicated orthopaedic oncology surgeons with focused experience in bone tumours
- Strong emphasis on limb-sparing surgical techniques
- Advanced imaging and precision surgical planning
- Integrated rehabilitation to restore strength, movement, and confidence
- Multidisciplinary decision-making for complex primary and metastatic cases
Our approach is designed to treat cancer effectively while prioritising quality of life.
Meet doctors who specialize in bone cancer
World class expertise, Empathetic treatment
Dr. Chetan Anchan
M.S. (ORTHO.), D. ORTHO 15 years of experience 2000+ surgeries Bone and soft tissue tumors Limb Saving Surgery
Meet doctors who specialize in bone cancer
World class expertise, Empathetic treatment
Dr. Chetan Anchan
M.S. (ORTHO.), D. ORTHO 15 years of experience 2000+ surgeries Bone and soft tissue tumors Limb Saving Surgery
Frequently asked questions
Is bone cancer curable?
Many primary bone cancers are highly treatable, especially when detected early. Outcomes depend on tumour type, stage, and response to treatment.
Will I lose my limb?
In most cases, limb-sparing surgery is possible. Amputation is considered only when it is the safest option to fully remove the tumour.
What our patients say about us
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