What is bone cancer?
Bone cancer is a malignancy that is formed from the cells which make up the bones. These kinds of tumors which originate in the bone are primary bone tumors. These could be malignant (primary bone cancer) or benign. Tumors in the bone are majorly non cancerous. Sometimes when the cancer is detected in the bone, it could have originated in a different location and has spreadvto the bone, known as metastasis.
What are the types of Bone Cancer?
- Osteosarcoma: This is most commonly detected type of bone cancer and its occurrence is higher in youngsters and children. In this kind of cancer, the cells that produce the bone are cancerous cells. There are few situations where the cancer is outside the bones (extraskeletal osteosarcoma).
- Chondrosarcoma: In this kind of cancer, the cells which produce the cartilage are cancerous. It usually affects middle aged people or older people and occurs in the limbs or pelvis.
- Ewing sarcoma: This tumor is seen usually in the limbs or pelvis of youngsters.
Who is at a higher risk of Bone Cancer?
- Family History: If cancer has been seen in the family, especially bone cancer then you might be at a higher risk.
- Radiation: Any history of radiation therapy could pose as a risk factor.
- Paget’s Disease: This causes the breakdown and re growth of the bone.
- Cartilage Tumor: Experience of having tumors in the connective tissue of the bone.
What defines the stages of Bone Cancer?
- Stage 1: Cancer is limited to the bone.
- Stage 2: Cancer is limited to the bone however it is invasive in nature and poses a threat to nearby tissues.
- Stage 3: The invasive cancer has spread to multiple areas of the bone.
- Stage 4: The cancer has spread to other organs.
What are the symptoms of Bone Cancer?
Bone tumor or cancer might not show any noticeable signs unless the diagnostic imaging has been done for a different purpose such as to look at a sprain, etc. However, some symptoms that do show up include:
- Pain which worsens at night.
- Swelling.
- Extreme weakness.
- Fever and chills.
- Loss of weight.
How is Bone Cancer diagnosed?
Certain test or group of tests might help point the size and type of the tumor and if it’s cancerous or not, they may include:
- Bone Scan
- CT Scan
- MRI Scan
- PET Scan
- X-Ray
- Needle or surgical biopsies
How is Bone Cancer treated?
Every cancer is treated based on its location, intensity, stage and invasive nature. The plan could include:
- Chemotherapy.
- Surgery.
- Radiotherapy.