16-Year-Old Beats Bone Cancer, Walks Again After 21cm Thigh Bone Removed

Last Updated:February 05, 2026, 13:10 IST

A 16-year-old girl walked again after doctors removed a 21-cm bone tumour at Medanta Patna, saving her leg through limb-salvage surgery, completely free under Bihar’s PPP scheme

Dr Sandeep Kumar of Medanta Patna highlighted that cancer treatment is usually very costly, but in this case, the entire treatment was provided free of charge. (Local18)

A 16-year-old girl had been suffering from swelling and intense pain in her right thigh for nearly three months. Initially, the pain was believed to be normal, but as it continued to worsen, her family decided to seek medical help and took her to Medanta Hospital in Patna.

After detailed tests, doctors discovered a large tumour in the femur, the longest bone in her right thigh. Speaking to Local18, Dr Sandeep Kumar, Associate Director of Oncology Surgery at Medanta Patna, said that the biopsy report confirmed the presence of high-grade osteosarcoma, a highly aggressive and dangerous form of bone cancer.

Once the diagnosis was confirmed, doctors began treatment without delay. Dr Sandeep Kumar explained that in such cases, chemotherapy is administered first to shrink the tumour and prevent the cancer from spreading to other parts of the body.

Chemotherapy And Complex Limb Salvage Surgery

Under the supervision of paediatric oncologist Dr Amit Kumar, the patient underwent several rounds of chemotherapy. These sessions helped reduce the size of the tumour to some extent, making surgery possible.

Following chemotherapy, doctors planned a highly challenging surgery. Nearly three-quarters of the thigh bone, measuring about 21 centimetres, had to be removed. This was a limb salvage procedure, meaning the doctors aimed to save the leg rather than amputate it.

Dr Sandeep Kumar said that extensive micro-level planning was carried out before undertaking such a major operation. A custom-made prosthesis was implanted to replace the removed portion of the bone, helping restore both the structure and function of the leg.

Multi-Team Effort Ensured Success

The surgery lasted approximately four hours. During the procedure, special care was taken to keep the neurovascular bundle completely safe. The surgical oncology team removed the tumour, while the orthopaedic reconstruction was led by Dr Neeraj Kumar. The anaesthesia and ICU teams also played a crucial role.

Post-surgery, the physiotherapy team played an important role in the patient’s recovery.

Just two weeks after the operation, the girl was able to walk with support. Within a month, she could walk independently without any assistance.

Ongoing Chemotherapy To Prevent Relapse

Further chemotherapy sessions are being given to reduce the risk of the cancer returning. Dr Sandeep Kumar said that both chemotherapy and surgery were equally important in saving the patient’s life and limb.

Treatment Provided Completely Free

Dr Sandeep highlighted that cancer treatment is usually very costly, but in this case, the entire treatment was provided free of charge.

This was made possible through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement between Medanta Patna and the Bihar government.

He added that patients who are residents of Bihar, have an annual income below Rs 2,50,000, and whose biopsy confirms cancer are eligible to receive free treatment under this scheme.

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