Abstract
We experienced eight cases of malignant bone tumors arising in shoulder girdle. The minimum follow up period was 52 months. Four cases with scapular lesion underwent wide local excision, that is the resection of scapula, distal end of clavicle and proximal end of humerus, resulting in the preservation of upper extremity. Three cases with the lesions in proximal part of humerus underwent wide local excision and prosthetic humeral head replacement. One case with the lesion in proximal part of humerus underwent forequarter amputation because of extensive tumors invading into soft tissue around humerus. Local recurrence was noted in two cases, and distant metastasis was observed in three cases.
We recommend, for this kind of condition, wide local excision preserving upper extremities, because the procedure enables patients, if not completely, to regain their previous activities early. Of course, recent progress of adjuvant chemotherapy will be of great help for this method.
