Hemipelvectomy for neoplasms not originating in the pelvis

10 patients underwent hemipelvectomy, mainly for sarcomas originating high in the thigh, or melanomas and epidermoid carcinomas metastatic to the groin. 1 patient died postoperatively, 3 lived 5-12 years and 1 died of unrelated cause 2 years after the operation, all free of recurrence. Tumors treated successfully were large and with indolent locoregional growth, often despite repeated unsuccessful local treatment attempts. These tumor characteristics should be considered as favorable features, in selecting such patients for hemipelvectomy. Conversely 3 patients with melanoma had short history before and died soon after the operation, contraindicating hemipelvectomy in locally advanced melanoma.