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All About Bone Cancer
By peace | December 14, 2006
Bone cancers are rare forms of cancer that can affect any bone in the body. There are over 200 bones in the human body, any of these can be affected by cancer. However, certain types of bone cancer are more common in specific bones. Osteosarcoma is most commonly found in the bones around the knee. Ewing’s sarcoma is more common in the upper leg, pelvis and other bones of the trunk. The pelvis is the most frequent location for chondrosarcoma. Nevertheless, it is possible for these cancers to affect any bone in the body.
Two types of bone cancer are multiple myeloma and bone sarcomas. Bone cancers can also happen when tumors that start in other organs, such as breasts, lung, and prostate, metastasize (spread) to the bone. Multiple myeloma is the most common type of bone cancer. The two most common bone sarcomas are osteosarcoma, which develops in new tissue in growing bones, and chondrosarcoma, which develops in cartilage. Osteosarcoma tends to occur more frequently in children and adolescents, while chondrosarcoma occurs more often in adults.
Primary bone cancer refers to cancers which start in the bone. These are different to secondary bone cancers which started in other parts of the body and later spread to the bones.
Bone cancers are tumours which have the potential to spread to other parts of the body. These are different to benign (non-cancerous) bone tumours which do not spread. Benign bone tumours are more common than malignant (cancerous) bone tumours.
Secondary bone cancer is where malignant cells have spread to the bones from other parts of the body. This is different to cancer that actually started in the bones (primary bone cancer). Virtually all types of cancer can spread to bone. Bone metastases are particularly common in people with breast, lung or prostate cancer. Bone metastases are usually multiple, they cause pain and can can lead to other symptoms such as hypercalcemia (abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood )
Symptoms Of Bone Cancer
Symptoms of bone cancer tend to develop slowly. They depend on the type, location, and size of the tumor.
Pain is the most frequent symptom of bone cancer. Sometimes a firm, slightly tender lump on the bone can be felt through the skin. In some cases, bone cancer interferes with normal movements. Bone cancer can also cause bones to break.
These symptoms are not sure signs of cancer. They may also be caused by other, less serious problems. Individuals who are experiencing symptoms should consult a doctor.
Summary of Bone Cancer Symptoms
* Pain and/or swelling in the bone.
* Weakness in the affected bones.
* Raised calcium levels in the blood.
* Unexpected bone fractures.
* Movement problems.
Diagnosis Of Bone Tumours
If a bone tumour is suspected the doctor will do a complete medical examination. This may include a blood test as bone tumours can be associated with increased levels of certain proteins in the blood. The doctor may also recommend X-rays and other scans of the bone(s), if X-rays and scans suggest that a tumour might be present then a biopsy (removal of a sample of tissue) will be performed. A pathologist will then examine the cells to determine whether it is cancerous, and if so what type of cancer it is.
Treatments Of Bone Tumours
Treatment will depend on the type of cancer, whether it has spread or not , and the size and location of the main (primary) tumour. Treatment of bone cancers is complex and involves a team of different specialists usually within an institution that is experienced in treating these types of cancers. There are 3 main types of therapy used to treat bone cancers;
- surgery (to take out the tumour in an operation)
- radiotherapy (using high-dose x-rays to kill cancer cells)
- chemotherapy (using drugs to kill cancer cells)
Surgery is often used to remove the primary tumour. For tumours of the arms and legs an amputation of the limb is sometimes necessary, however, limb-sparing surgery may be possible in many cases where only the cancerous part of the bone is removed and it is replaced by a bone graft or metal prosthesis. Radiotherapy may be given as well as or instead of surgery to destroy the cancer cells. Also, chemotherapy (drugs) may also be given to kill malignant cells that may be circulating around the body.
There is no single set treatment for bone metastases. Treatment depends on type of cancer, extent of the spread of metastases, prior treatment and other factors. Only a physician who is very familiar with the person’s medical details can know what the best treatment is. However, in general terms treatment of bone metastases can be palliative (relief of symptoms) or curative. For many people with advanced cancer there may be no known effective cure so treatment may largely be focused on prolonging life and relieving the symptoms of bone metastases (eg. pain relief). However in certain cases where there is a chance of cure the treatment may include chemotherapy, radiotherapy and possibly bone marrow / stem cell transplantation.
Complications
The complications of bone cancer may include weakened bones and bone fractures. If the cancer spreads to other organs, complications include dysfunction of the affected organ, such as shortness of breath if it spreads to your lungs.
Overall, the chance of recovery (prognosis) for bone cancers has improved significantly since the development of modern chemotherapy.
The chance of recovery will depend on a variety of influences; if the cancer has spread, the type of bone cancer, the size of the tumour, location, the person’s general health and other individual factors. Also important is how much of the main tumour can be removed/destroyed by surgery and/or radiotherapy, and how the tumour responds to chemotherapy.
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