What is Bone Cancer?
Bone cancer is the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of bone cells. It can be:
- Primary: starting in the bone itself.
- Secondary: spreading from another cancer in the body, such as breast, prostate, or lung cancer.
Although it is relatively rare, bone cancer can affect any bone in the body. It most often appears in long bones, such as those in the legs and arms.
Bone pain is the most common symptom; it often worsens at night or with movement and may be accompanied by swelling or joint stiffness.
Types of Bone Cancer
Osteosarcoma
- The most common type of primary bone cancer.
- Usually affects people between the ages of 10 and 30 but can also appear in older adults.
- More common in males.
Ewing’s Sarcoma
- The second most common type of bone cancer in children and adolescents.
- Often develops in the pelvis or long bones.
- Rare in individuals over 30.
Chondrosarcoma
- More common after the age of 40.
- Usually affects the bones of the pelvis, legs, and arms, but can also grow in soft tissues.
- Its growth rate varies depending on its grade (from slow to fast growing).
Other, Less Common Tumors
- Chordoma: usually occurs in the spine or the base of the skull; grows slowly but may recur.
- Giant Cell Tumor: usually benign but can recur after surgery.
- Multiple Myeloma: starts in the bone marrow and is generally classified as a type of blood cancer.
- Soft Tissue Tumors (such as fibrosarcoma and malignant fibrous histiocytoma): may grow within or near bones.
Bone Cancer Treatment
Treatment depends on the tumor type, stage, and the patient’s age and overall health. The main treatment options include:
Surgery
- Limb-sparing surgery: removes the tumor while preserving the limb, often using a bone graft or artificial joint.
- Amputation: used when the tumor is too close to major nerves or blood vessels to remove safely.
- Pelvic or spinal surgery: complex procedures that may involve bone grafting or additional techniques such as freezing (liquid nitrogen) or bone cement to destroy remaining cancer cells.
Radiation Therapy
- Uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
- Especially effective in treating Ewing’s Sarcoma.
- May be used after surgery or to relieve pain when the tumor cannot be removed.
Chemotherapy
- Uses intravenous medications that travel throughout the body to kill cancer cells.
- Particularly effective for osteosarcoma and Ewing’s sarcoma.
- Can be given before surgery to shrink the tumor or after surgery to prevent recurrence.
- Also used as palliative care in advanced cases to relieve symptoms.
Although bone cancer is rare, early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation) significantly improve the chances of recovery and enhance quality of life.
If you experience persistent or unexplained bone pain or swelling, it’s important to consult a specialist for proper evaluation. Early detection is the key to successful treatment.