Limb Salvage Surgery in an Enormously Large Pelvic Malignant Bone Tumor

Malignant transformation of pelvic osteochondroma is a rare entity. Large size and late presentation impose threat to life as well as limb. We report a case of limb salvage surgery in an enormously large secondary chondrosarcoma arising from pelvic bone.

A 60-year-old male presented with a colossal swelling at groin reaching up to distal thigh. He was walking with a wide-based gait due to pain and discomfort. 30 year back, the patient first reported this swelling of pea size, for which he was advised surgery but due to fear of surgery and economic reason he refused. Swelling gradually increased in size and reached up to distal thigh in the past 30 years. It was hard and non-tender up to 6 months back, when suddenly a change in consistency from hard to soft in distal area was noticed. On examination, a large soft cystic swelling was hanging from his pubic area. Tumor was fixed at base on proximal end. On magnetic resonance imaging, size of tumor was 281 mm in length, 263 mm in width, and 250 mm in anteroposterior diameter. Tumor was arising from superior and ischiopubic rami. However, no intra-articular extension was seen. A radiographic skeletal survey and bone scan did not reveal any other lesion. On biopsy, chondrogenic tumor composed of lobules of chondroid material with no cellular atypia or evidence of malignancy was reported. Considering the age of patient, rapid progression in recent months, size and duration of tumor, and type 3 pelvic resection was planned. Using utilitarian pelvic incision with perineal extension, separating long adductor muscles and deep femoral artery tumor, tumor excised with osteotomy at pubic symphysis, and on superior and inferior pubic rami. With minor wound complications, wound healed in 3 weeks. Post-operative biopsy reported as Grade 1 chondrosarcoma. At 3-year follow-up, the patient has no complains and no sign of recurrence noticed.

Limb salvage surgery is a suitable option even in enormously large musculoskeletal malignancy. Proper counseling and tracking of patients are must to avoid future complications.