Vasyl V. OstafiichukSurgical Oncologist · National Cancer Institute of Ukraine
MelanomaSkin cancerSarcomaBone tumoursPatient resourcesConsultationУкраїнська
National Cancer Institute · Orthopaedic oncology

Bone tumours.
Understand. Preserve. Restore.

From a concerning X-ray finding to expert histopathology, multidisciplinary planning and reconstruction. A patient pathway, real clinical imaging and an evidence-based clinician layer.

Where to beginMRI, CT and video atlasAJCC 8 staging
Imaging before biopsyMultidisciplinary decisionsLimb-sparing surgery
Clinical MRI of proximal humerus bone tumour, author archive
01 / MRI - local tumour anatomy
Postoperative X-ray of distal femur megaprosthesis reconstruction
02 / X-ray - reconstruction after resection
Author clinical archive · 2025-2026
Start with your situation

What brought you here?

You do not need to know the pathology yet. Choose the decision you need to make next.

01 / FINDINGA lesion was seen on imagingWhat a bone lesion means and when further work-up is needed.Lesion types → 02 / DIAGNOSISA biopsy has been suggestedHow to preserve the right pathway before major surgery.MDT preparation → 03 / TREATMENTA complex operation is proposedResection, reconstruction, megaprostheses and rehabilitation.Treatment options → 04 / CLINICIANSNeed precise stage assignmentAJCC 8, TNM, grade and pelvic/spinal exceptions.Professional staging →

The diagnostic sequence

Step 1Baseline imaging

Radiographs are often first; CT and MRI are added according to the lesion.

Step 2Staging

Local extent, the chest and other areas are assessed according to the suspected diagnosis.

Step 3Planned biopsy

The biopsy track is placed within the future resection rather than selected in isolation.

Step 4Resection and reconstruction

Oncological removal and restoration of bone or joint function are planned together.

Bone Tumour and Orthopaedic Oncology Centre

Not every bone lesion is cancer. This centre combines patient pathways, clinician resources, source-confirmed clinical cases and an MRI/CT atlas. We explain how a specialist team connects imaging, pathology, treatment and function.

Where patients should beginTypes of bone tumoursMRI, CT and videoTreatment and limb preservation

When not to delay assessment

Persistent or night bone pain, swelling, pain after minor loading, possible pathological fracture or progressive loss of function should be investigated. A normal X-ray does not always exclude serious disease. Seek urgent care if you cannot bear weight or a fracture is suspected.

Key point: when a primary malignant bone tumour is suspected, the biopsy must be planned after adequate imaging with the specialist team that can provide definitive treatment. Unplanned surgery can compromise limb-sparing options.

Explore the centre

What kind of lesion is it?Benign and malignant bone tumours; osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, GCT and metastases →What does the scan show?11 clinical images and 3 MRI clips with diagnostic limitations explained →How to prepare for the MDT?Referral pathway, biopsy tract planning and practical checklist →Can the limb be preserved?Resection, cement, bone grafting, megaprostheses, arthrodesis and rehabilitation →

Real documented cases

MRI of a documented proximal humerus chondrosarcomaProximal humerus chondrosarcomaMRI and documented resection, cryotherapy and bone cement →CT of documented pubic bone giant cell tumourGiant cell tumour of the pubic boneBiopsy, denosumab, CT review and resection planning →

Clinical media are de-identified. Where pathology is not supplied, the imaging atlas describes anatomy without asserting a diagnosis.

Common questions

Does every bone lesion require surgery?

No. Some benign findings need surveillance only; suspicious or aggressive lesions may require specialist imaging and planned biopsy.

Can a biopsy be performed before specialist review?

Suspected bone sarcoma should first undergo appropriate MRI and specialist biopsy tract planning.

Is limb-sparing surgery an option?

Often, yes. Feasibility depends on pathology, extent, achievable margins and safe functional reconstruction.

References: UK Bone Sarcoma Guidelines 2025, ESMO Bone Sarcoma Guidelines.

Dedicated clinician staging: AJCC 8

TNM, grade, pelvic/spinal exceptions and why not every bone lesion receives a malignant bone sarcoma stage.

Full clinician reference →
For clinicians · AJCC 8

Primary bone tumour staging

Four components describe the anatomical extent and histological grade, but a stage group cannot be inferred from size alone. Confirm the diagnosis and the applicable anatomical system first.

TPrimary size and local extension
NRegional nodes
MDistant metastasis
GHistological grade

Important: pelvic and spinal primary bone tumours have specific T categories without the usual prognostic stage groups IA-IVB. Giant cell tumour and benign lesions do not receive a malignant bone sarcoma AJCC stage.

Open the full AJCC 8 clinician staging guide →

MRI examples

MRI of chondrosarcoma of the proximal humerus
Chondrosarcoma of the proximal humerus.
MRI of a giant cell tumour of the proximal femur
Giant cell tumour of the proximal femur.

Short operative clip

A short segment of bone tumour resection during limb-sparing surgery.
Greyscale frame from bone tumour resection
One stage of limb-sparing surgery.
Postoperative radiographs after bone reconstruction
Postoperative assessment of reconstruction.
Bone tumour biopsyResection and reconstructionOsteosarcoma clinical caseSoft-tissue sarcoma

Clinical material from the author's archive, published with confirmed consent.