Bone Cancer - Symptoms and Causes | Anatomy

Bone Cancer - Symptoms and Causes :

 Overview  : 

Bone cancer is a rare form of cancer, accounting for less than 1 percent of all cancer cases. While it can potentially develop in any bone, it most commonly affects the pelvis or the long bones in the arms and legs. This article aims to provide insights into the characteristics of bone cancer, its rarity, and the various treatment approaches.

Types of Bone Cancer :

There are different types of bone cancer, with some occurring primarily in children and others affecting mostly adults. Osteosarcoma, the most common type, typically emerges in the long bones and is prevalent among adolescents and young adults. Chondrosarcoma, originating in cartilage cells, often affects the pelvis, upper leg, and shoulder. Ewing Sarcoma, a rare cancer, primarily targets bones but may involve soft tissues.

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Prevalence and Rarity :

Bone cancer is considered rare, and non cancerous bone tumors are more common than cancerous ones. The rarity of bone cancer is highlighted by its minimal representation in the overall cancer incidence. It's crucial to note that the term "bone cancer" specifically refers to cancers that originate in the bone itself, excluding cancers that start elsewhere in the body and metastasize to the bone.

Symptoms and Diagnosis :

Common symptoms of bone cancer include persistent pain, swelling, tenderness near the affected area, and unexplained fractures. Diagnostic methods, such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI, and bone scans, are employed to confirm the presence of cancer cells. A biopsy is often necessary for a definitive diagnosis.

Treatment Approaches :

The primary treatment for bone cancer is surgical removal of the tumor. However, the specific approach may vary based on the type of bone cancer, its stage, and the overall health of the patient. In addition to surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are also utilized. The decision on the treatment modality is tailored to the individual case, considering the unique characteristics of the bone cancer being addressed.

Types :

1. Chondrosarcoma

2. Ewing sarcoma

3. Osteosarcoma

When to see a doctor :

Make an appointment with your doctor if you or your child develops bone pain that:

• Comes and goes
• Becomes worse at night
• Isn't helped by over-the-counter pain relievers.

Risk factors :

• Inherited genetic syndromes: Certain rare genetic syndromes passed through families increase the risk of bone cancer, including Li-Fraumeni syndrome and hereditary retinoblastoma.
• Paget's disease of bone: Most commonly occurring in older adults, Paget's disease of bone can increase the risk of bone cancer developing later.
• Radiation therapy for cancer: Exposure to large doses of radiation, such as those given during radiation therapy for cancer, increases the risk of bone cancer in the future.