Surgery for bone cancer

Surgery is one of the main treatments for primary bone cancer. It is a very specialised treatment. You have your operation at a specialist centre.

This section is about cancer that starts in your bone (primary bone cancer). If your cancer has spread into bone from another part of the body, it is called secondary bone cancer.

Types of surgery for bone cancer

The type of surgery you might have depends on the size of your cancer and whether it has grown into nearby tissues, or has spread elsewhere in the body. Find out about the different types of surgery.

Limb sparing surgery for bone cancer

Limb sparing surgery for primary bone cancer means removing the cancer without removing the affected arm or leg. Find out what happens.

Surgery to remove a limb for bone cancer (amputaion)

Amputation for primary bone cancer means removing a part of the body completely. Find out what happens and why you have it. 

Surgery for bone cancer that has spread

Surgery might be possible sometimes to remove primary bone cancer that has spread to the lungs (secondary cancer).

Before your operation for bone cancer

Before your surgery, you’ll have tests, meet the people that will care for you and learn exercises that you have to do. Find out what happens.

On the day of bone cancer surgery

Knowing what happens on the day of surgery, including having an anaesthetic, can help you feel more prepared. Find out what to expect.

After bone cancer surgery

Your recovery depends on the type of surgery you have for primary bone cancer. Knowing what to expect after surgery can be reassuring.

Last reviewed: 
18 Sep 2024
Next review due: 
18 Sep 2027