Bone cancer is a cancerous tumor of the bone that destroys normal bone
tissue. Not all bone tumors are cancerous. Noncancerous bone tumors are
more common than malignant ones. Both types of bone tumors may grow and
compress healthy bone tissue, but noncancerous tumors do not spread, or
destroy bone tissue, and are rarely a threat to life.
Cancerous tumors that begin in bone tissue are called primary bone cancer.
Cancer that spreads to the bones from other parts of the body, such as
the breast, lung, or prostate is called metastatic cancer, and is named
for the organ or tissue in which it began. Primary bone cancer is far
less common than cancer that spreads to the bones. Common types of primary
bone cancer are osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, and The Ewing Sarcoma Family
of Tumors.
Osteosarcoma is a cancer of the bone that usually affects the large bones
of the arm or leg. It occurs most commonly in young people and affects
more males than females. Sarcoma is cancer of the bone, cartilage, fat,
muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. The cause
of bone cancer is not exactly known but factors that contribute to developing
tumors are high-dose external radiation therapy, treatment with certain
anticancer drugs, and heredity.
The most common symptom of bone cancer is pain, but not all bone cancers
cause pain. Swelling can also be seen with bone cancer. To help diagnose
bone cancer the doctor will ask your personal and family medical history.
He or she will also perform a physical exam and order lab and diagnostic
testing that may include x-rays, bone scan, CT scan, MRI , PET scan, and
biopsy. A biopsy is used to remove a tissue sample from the bone tumor
to determine if cancer is present. This tissue is then sent to a pathologist
to determine if it is cancer or not. Treatment options depend on the type,
size, location, and stage of the tumor, as well as age and person’s
health. Once diagnosis is confirmed the doctor will go over treatment
options with you. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation
therapy, and cryosurgery. A treatment plan that is best for you will then
be decided upon by you and your physician.
.png)
