Skip the primary navigation if you do not want to read it as the next section.
Skip the main content if you do not want to read it as the next section.
Skip the location trail if you do not want to read it as the next section.
Location trail
CANCER TYPE > BONE, SECONDARY > TREATMENT > SURGERYSurgery for secondary bone cancer
Very occasionally, if tests show that only one area of bone has cancer in it, the affected area may be removed under general anaesthetic. The bone is then strengthened with a metal pin or replaced with a false part (prosthesis).
If a secondary tumour is near to a joint – such as the hip, knee or shoulder – the joint and the area of bone containing the tumour are usually both removed. The joint is then replaced with an artificial hip, knee or shoulder (prosthesis).
Content last reviewed: 01 December 2006
Page last modified: 24 April 2007
Page last modified: 24 April 2007