Bone & Soft Tissue Tumors FAQ

• Persistent pain, especially at night.
• Swelling or a lump near bones or muscles.
• Difficulty moving or stiffness in nearby joints.
• Fractures from minor injuries.

Your doctor may recommend:

• X-ray – Initial imaging of the bone.
• MRI scan – Detailed view of tumor size and spread.
• CT or PET scan – Checks for spread to lungs or other areas.
• Biopsy – Tissue sample to confirm if the tumor is cancerous.

Not necessarily.

• In 80–90% of cases, limbs can be saved using prostheses or bone grafts.
• Amputation is rare, only needed when tumors affect major nerves, blood vessels, or uncontrollable infections.

Treatment often includes a combination of:

• Surgery – Removes the tumor.
• Chemotherapy – Drugs to kill cancer cells (common for osteosarcoma and Ewing’s sarcoma).
• Radiotherapy – Used for Ewing’s sarcoma or pain relief.

Reconstruction options include:

• Megaprosthesis (artificial metal joint).
• Bone graft (from donor bone or your own fibula).
• Combined graft and prosthesis.
• Joint fusion (arthrodesis) or rotationplasty in some cases.

Yes, most patients can regain mobility.

• Limb-saving surgery allows walking, stair-climbing, and daily activities.
• Some may need a stick or brace initially, but long-term independence is common.

Survival rates vary by tumor type and stage:

• Osteosarcoma & Ewing’s sarcoma: 60–70% 5-year survival for localized disease.
• Chondrosarcoma: Better outcomes for low-grade tumors.
• Metastatic cancer has lower cure rates, but treatment can relieve pain and extend life.

Chemotherapy may cause side effects like hair loss, nausea, or low immunity, but these are temporary and manageable with modern medications. Your Oncology team will provide close monitoring and support.

Yes, recurrence is possible, making regular follow-ups with scans critical, especially in the first 5 years.

• Physiotherapy to regain strength and mobility.
• Emotional support from family, friends, or support groups.
• Regular check-ups with your doctor.

The exact cause of bone tumors is often unknown.

• Usually due to random genetic changes causing uncontrolled cell growth.
• Not caused by injury, diet, or lifestyle.
• Rare risk factors include:
  • Previous high-dose radiation to the area.
  • Certain genetic conditions (e.g., Li-Fraumeni syndrome, hereditary retinoblastoma, or Paget’s disease).

No, a properly performed biopsy does not spread cancer.

• Carefully planned by the surgical team to ensure safety.
• Done through a small incision or needle track, removable during tumor excision.
• Risks are minimal when performed by specialists at a cancer/Orthopaedic Oncology center.

Yes, many patients go on to live fulfilling lives after treatment.

• Most can return to school, work, and daily activities.
• Physical therapy helps restore strength and mobility.
• Regular follow-ups ensure early detection of any recurrence.
• Emotional and psychological support is equally important for recovery.