Bone tumour removed from patient’s hand

NEW DELHI: In a rare case of exceptionally large chondrosarcoma of ulna, a 21-yearold Vijay (name changed) was operated at the Delhi-based Indian Spinal Injuries Centre. The swelling, which was nothing more than a small bump a year back, started growing rapidly restricting the movement of the right wrist and hand. In last 6 months, the tumour became almost the size of a cricket ball, badly restricting the use of dependant hand, while Vijay's father ran from pillar to post for his son's treatment.

“Before Vijay came to us with a badly swollen limb, he had visited two different tertiary care hospitals in Delhi; however, due to various factors he could not be treated there. He was extensively investigated. He also had undergone biopsy from the swelling, which confirmed the cause as a uncommon bone tumour, chondrosarcoma, of the forearm bone. He came to us with a large swelling near the wrist, compressing the surrounding nerves, veins and muscles. It had even involved the overlying skin. The forearm skin was stretched and engorged veins could be seen from a distance. The circumference of the wrist was 12 inches. Such cases are highly complicated Most of such cases end up with amputation,” said Dr Sudhir Kapoor, Chief of Ortho Oncology, ISIC.

“Vijay underwent a very delicate and careful surgical excision of the tumour, wherein, without interfering with the tumour, wide incisions were made away from the tumour. The tumour which was arising from the ulna bone was carefully removed with involving skin over it. After excision of the tumour, there was a large soft tissue gap which needed a flap cover. Doctors performed a successful flap cover surgery, which is a technique in plastic and reconstructive surgery, the entire procedure

lasted for 4 hour. Much to his family's relief, who feared that the young college student may

lose his hand is now cancer free and will be able to use his right hand for activities of daily living in future,” he added.