Cancer Research UK logo.
SearchDonate
  • Search

Treatment

Surgery for bone cancer

Surgery is one of the main treatments for primary bone cancer. It is a very specialised treatment and you have your operation at a specialist centre. Find out about the different types of surgery.

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). Find out more.

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.

Last reviewed: 13 Feb 2025

Next review due: 13 Feb 2028

The Dangoor Education logo.

Dangoor Education

About Cancer generously supported by Dangoor Education since 2010. Learn more about Dangoor Education

Patient Information Forum. Trusted Information Creator.
Plain English Campaign award.

Help and Support

An icon of a hand shake.

Find a Clinical Trial

Search our clinical trials database for all cancer trials and studies recruiting in the UK.

An icon of two speech bubbles, indicating a conversation.

Cancer Chat forum

Meet and chat to other cancer people affected by cancer.

An icon of a landline phone.

Nurse helpline

Questions about cancer? Call freephone 0808 800 40 40 from 9 to 5 - Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can email us.