Surgeons at Apollo Cancer Institute, a part of Apollo Hospitals group Asia’s largest most trusted multi-specialty chain of hospitals performed a rare surgery removing a football sized Chondroscarcoma tumor from a 44 year female patient from Oman. Instead of amputating the leg, the team comprised of orthopedic, vascular and plastic surgeon saved the limb.

Chondrosarcoma is a type of sarcoma that affects the bones and joints. It is a rare cancer that accounts for about 20% of bone tumors Chondrosarcoma is a rare type of cancer that usually begins in the bones, but can sometimes occur in the soft tissue near bones (Cartilage). The most common locations for chondrosarcoma tumors are in the pelvis, hip and shoulder. Sometimes chondrosarcoma grows on an otherwise healthy bone, and sometimes it grows on a benign bone tumor (an enchondroma or osteochondroma). Some types of chondrosarcomas grow slowly and, provided they are removed completely, have a low risk of spreading to other organs and bones. Others grow rapidly and have a high risk of metastasis.

Mrs. Maryam Salim Said Al Isaii, 44yrs from Oman was brought to Apollo Cancer Institute with an unbearable swelling in her right leg making her immobile. Mary salim was diagnosed to have recurrent Chondrosarcoma Proximal Tibia patient had visited various specialized centers across the world, including Hong Kong, Thailand, London, Mumbai and Bangalore, where all the hospitals suggested to amputate the limb since, the tumour was complex in size (16.4 X 13.5 X 19.5 cm) and encasing major blood vessels, artery, posterior tibial and lateral popliteal nerves. She was referred to Apollo Cancer Institute (Teynampet) for Limb Saving procedure by Ministry of Health, Oman. Dr. Mayilvahanan Natarajan Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Oncologist Dr.N.Sekar, senior consultant Vascular Surgeon performed wide resection of tumor and custom mega prosthesis proximal tibia remove the tumour and saved the limb.

Speaking about the procedure, Dr. Mayilvahanan Natarajan, Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Oncologist, Apollo Cancer Institute, Teynampet, who has done more than 2000 Orthopaedic Oncology cases with 30 years of experience said “Chondrosarcoma is the second most common bone malignancy affecting older adults. The 8 hour surgery was performed on 2^nd August to remove a football sized tumour from the patient’s leg as it was damaging the major blood vessels. We tried and successfully saved her limb and the patient is now able to stand and walk with help.”

The patient is now stable with active ankle and toe movements and is now mobilized with walker support. The patient her husband and her brother were extremely happy with Apollo Cancer Hospital, the team of Doctors, {Orthopaedic team including Dr.R.Alagappan, Dr.R.Balamurugan, Dr.C.Bapuji (Anesthetis), Dr Swarnavalli (Anesthestist), Dr G.B.Rajan (Plastic Surgery) Dr.M.Vejay Kumar, Dr.Kumar}   and the Management of Apollo Hospital.