Surgeons at Apollo Cancer Centre, Teynampet, successfully performed a rare and complicated surgery for removing a football sized Chondrosarcoma tumour on a 44-year-old Omani woman. Instead of amputating the leg, our team of Doctors comprising of Orthopedicians, Vascular and Plastic Surgeons saved her 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 tumours which initially occurs in the bones, but can sometimes also develop in the soft tissues near bones (Cartilage). Chondrosarcoma tumour generally shows up in the pelvis, hip and shoulder. Often it develops on a healthy bone, or on a benign bone tumor (an enchondroma or osteochondroma). Some types of chondrosarcomas grow gradually and, provided they are removed completely, has a low-risk of spreading to other organs and bones. Others types of chondrosarcomas grow rapidly and have a high-risk of metastasis. The common signs and symptoms of Chondrosarcoma are increasing pain, a swelling or palpable mass, or fracture due to weakened bone which further restricts the movement.
Mrs. Maryam Salim Said Al Isaii, a 44-year-old from Oman was brought to Apollo Cancer Centre, Teynampet with a big swelling in her right leg making her immobile. Mary Salim was diagnosed with recurrent Chondrosarcoma Proximal Tibia. She had visited various specialized centres across the world, including Hong Kong, Thailand, London, Mumbai and Bangalore, and all the hospitals had suggested amputating the limb because of the complex nature and big size of the tumour (16.4 X 13.5 X 19.5 cm) which was also encasing major blood vessels, and the posterior tibial and lateral popliteal nerves. She was referred to Apollo Cancer Centre, Teynampet for Limb Saving procedure by Ministry of Health, Oman. Dr. Mayilvahanan Natarajan, Senior Consultant – Orthopaedic Oncologist and Dr. N. Sekar, Senior Consultant – Vascular Surgery performed wide resection of tumour and placed custom mega prosthesis.
Speaking about the procedure, Dr. Mayilvahanan Natarajan, Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Oncologist, Apollo Cancer Centre, Teynampet, who has successfully performed more than 2000 Orthopaedic Oncology cases in his 30 years of experience said “Chondrosarcoma is the second most common bone malignancy affecting older adults. The 8-hour surgery was performed on 2nd 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.”
Post-surgery patient recovered well with active ankle and toe movements and was mobilized with the support of walker. The patient, her husband and her brother were extremely happy and satisfied with Apollo Cancer Centre’s team comprising of Orthopaedic doctors including Dr. R. Alagappan, Dr. R. Balamurugan, Dr. C. Bapuji (Anaesthetist), Dr Swarnavalli (Anaesthetist), Dr G. B. Rajan (Plastic Surgery), Dr. M. Vejay Kumar, and Dr. Kumar.
