Bone cancer is the term used to describe many different types of cancer that develop in the bones. When cancer cells grow in bones, they may damage normal bone tissue. The type of cells and tissues in which the cancer begins determines the type of bone cancer, according to the Cleveland Clinic website in the United States.
Bone cancer can be one of different types of cancer that develops in the bones, and cancers that start in the bones are called primary bone cancers. Tumors that start in organs or other parts of the body can also spread to the bones. Treatments include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.
Cancers that form in the bones themselves are called primary bone cancers, and many tumors that start in organs or other parts of the body can spread to the bones, as well as to other parts of the body. These tumors are called secondary or metastatic bone cancers. Breast, prostate, and lung tumors most commonly spread to the bones.
How common is bone cancer?
Bone cancers are rare; for example, they constitute less than 1% of cancers in the United States. Although it can develop at any age, it is more common in children, teenagers and young adults than in older people.
Where does bone cancer usually start?
It depends on the type of bone cancer a person has.
Types of bone cancer
There are 4 types of primary bone cancer:
Osteosarcoma
It is the most common type of bone cancer, and osteosarcoma develops in the cells where new bone tissue is formed. It can start in any bone, but it usually starts at the ends of large bones such as the arms and legs. Doctors usually diagnose osteosarcoma in children and teenagers.
This tumor is also called osteosarcoma. The specific cause of osteosarcoma is unknown, however, there are some conditions and genetic mutations that may increase the likelihood of developing the disease. Previous treatment with radiation therapy, or anti-cancer drugs called alkylating agents, can increase the chances of developing the disease. The presence of one or more of these factors does not necessarily mean that the person is infected with the disease, according to the King Hussein Cancer Center in Jordan.
Symptoms of histiocytic bone tumor
- Pain or swelling in the affected limb. The pain increases at night and does not respond to painkillers.
- If the tumor is close to a joint, there can be limited joint movement.
- A bone fracture occurs for no reason.
Histiocytic bone tumor is diagnosed by taking an X-ray of the bone, in addition to taking a biopsy to examine it in the laboratory and look for any abnormality. An MRI of the affected limb is also necessary to estimate the local spread of the disease, while a CT scan of the chest is necessary to determine whether the disease has spread to the lung. A bone scan is necessary to determine whether the disease has spread to other bones, and a bone marrow biopsy is also taken to ensure that the cancer has not reached the bone marrow.
Chemotherapy is considered the ideal option for this type of disease, followed by surgery to remove the tumor without the need to amputate the affected limb. If the disease spreads to the lung, surgical intervention may be performed to remove the affected parts of the lung.
Osteoblastoma is not sensitive to radiation, so radiation therapy is only used to relieve pain and does not lead to any effective results.
Ewing sarcoma
Named after the doctor who first described this type of bone cancer, Ewing’s sarcoma includes many different tumors that have similar characteristics and are thought to start in the same types of cells. These tumors can form in the bones and surrounding soft tissues. Ewing’s sarcoma most commonly grows in the hips, ribs, and shoulder blades, or on long bones such as the legs.
Chondrosarcoma
Chondrosarcoma begins in tissue called cartilage. Cartilage is soft connective tissue that allows movement between bones and joints. Some cartilage turns into bone when the body adds calcium to it. This cancer usually forms in the bones of the arm, leg, or pelvis. Unlike osteosarcoma and Ewing’s sarcoma, chondrosarcoma occurs more frequently in adults than in younger people.
Chordoma
This rare tumor begins in the bones of the spine, usually at the base of the spine or the base of the skull. Like enchondroma, chordoma often occurs in older people. Men are more likely than women to develop this type of bone cancer.
Can a benign bone tumor turn into a cancerous tumor?
Yes, but this is not common. However, people with benign bone tumors may need treatment to reduce their risk of other things such as weak bones, joint problems, and destruction of healthy bone tissue.
Stages of bone cancer
The stage is determined by the size and location of the tumor, and whether the cancer has spread to other areas. Primary bone cancer is classified into 4 stages:
- Stage 1: Cancer cells are localized.
- Stage 2: Cancer cells are still localized, but the tumor has progressed and become more noticeable in terms of changes in the cells.
- Stage 3: The tumor has developed and the cancer has spread to other areas within the bone itself.
- Stage 4: The cancer has spread from the bone to other areas of the body, such as the lungs or liver.
Symptoms of bone cancer
Some people with bone cancer have no symptoms other than a painless lump. For others, a variety of symptoms may develop. These symptoms may also be caused by other conditions, such as arthritis or Lyme disease, which may delay diagnosis. The most common signs of bone cancer include:
- Pain (usually worse at night).
- Unexplained swelling.
- Difficulty moving.
- Feeling very tired
- Fever.
Causes of bone cancer
Experts don’t know for sure what causes bone cancer, but they have found links between bone cancer and other factors. The most important factor is exposure to radiation or drugs during treatment for other types of cancer. Some bone cancers are caused by conditions that run in families (hereditary).
Bone cancer treatment
Treatment for bone cancer depends on the type of cancer, whether it has spread and, if so, where it has spread.
Bone cancer treatment usually involves a combination of approaches. The type and duration of these treatments vary depending on several factors, including the type of bone cancer, the size of the tumor, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. The most common treatments include:
1- Surgery
The surgeon removes the tumor and some surrounding healthy tissue. Damaged bones can also be repaired or reconstructed with real or artificial bone grafts. Sometimes, an entire limb must be removed to treat cancer. In this case, a prosthesis can be used. Sometimes repeat surgery is needed if all the cancer cells are not removed the first time.
2- Radiation therapy
This treatment shrinks tumors with high doses of X-rays. Health care providers often use radiation before surgery to shrink the tumor so that less tissue has to be removed.
3- Chemotherapy
This type of treatment kills cancer cells throughout the body with medications. People usually receive this medication by swallowing a pill or injecting it into a vein. The caregiver may use chemotherapy to treat primary bone cancers or bone cancers that have spread.
Bone cancer prevention
Because experts don’t really know what causes bone cancer, there is currently no known way to prevent it. Because radiation therapy (another known cause of bone cancer) is necessary to treat other types of cancer, it cannot be completely avoided.
Is bone cancer fatal?
Not usually. Although some people die from bone cancer, many others recover completely. The 5-year relative survival rate for bone cancer is 66.8%. This means that 66.8% of people with bone cancer are still alive 5 years after their diagnosis.
Keep in mind that survival rates are estimates based only on the number of people who have had bone cancer in the past. There is no telling how long a person will live or what to expect in their unique condition.
How does a person with bone cancer feel?
The most common symptom of bone cancer is pain, although sometimes these tumors are not painful. The pain may be mild or severe. Many people describe it as pulsating, painful, or stabbing. Some people develop a lump in the area that may be firm or soft to the touch.
Is there a relationship between osteoporosis and bone cancer?
Yes. While osteoporosis is not a precursor to bone cancer, many people with bone cancer (or other types of cancer, especially breast or prostate cancer) develop osteoporosis as a result.