Amputation not always needed for bone cancer: NEIGRIHMS docs

SHILLONG: Cancers affecting the bone is quite rare (<1% of all cancers) and need specialised training and resources for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Traditionally amputation of the limb was the only option for achieving complete removal of the tumor, but many patients find this unacceptable. Medical advancements have offered respite to patients with bone cancer, ensuring that the limbs are not amputated.
Such specialised procedures are called “Limb Salvage Surgeries” and are performed in selected centres in India.
This needs specialized surgical training and also experts to administer chemotherapy.
In Northeast India, very few centres offer such facilities and we are glad that NEIGRIHMS, Shillong is equipped for this.
A 27-year old gentleman employed with Meghalaya Police presented to NEIGRIHMS in August 2016 with pain around the knee. His X-Ray study showed a tumor in the bone and hence he was referred to the Surgical Oncology(Cancer Surgery) Department.
An MRI study and CT scan were performed and a needle biopsy(microscopic study of the tissue) confirmed a bone cancer.
A multidisciplinary team of doctors from various concerned specialities discussed the case and decided that the patient should be given chemotherapy first, after which limb salvage surgery may be done.
After chemotherapy the patient underwent surgery, in which the knee joint was removed and a specially created metal joint was inserted and after a few days he was able to move around without any support. .