Bone cancer is the term for different cancers that develop in the bones. Cancer that starts in the bone itself is called primary bone cancer. This is not the same thing as secondary bone cancer, which starts in another region of the body and then spreads to the bones. Bone cancers account for less than 1% of the total diagnosed cancer each year.
Types of primary bone cancers
Osteosarcoma: the most common type of primary bone cancer, represents two-thirds of the total bone cancer-diagnosed cases. It is mostly a childhood illness; the third most prevalent pediatric cancer which affects the population of 5-25 years old. It may start at any bone, but it is more likely to happen in the long bones (arms and legs).
Ewing sarcoma: the second most common type of primary bone cancer, represents one-third of the total bone cancer-diagnosed cases. One person (ten to nineteen years of age) out of 100,000 may experience this type of bone cancer. Ewing sarcoma most commonly starts in the hips, ribs, and shoulder blades, or on long bones such as the legs.
Chondrosarcoma: the least common type of bone cancer (one in 200,000 persons may have this type). Unlike osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma, chondrosarcoma affects adults 40 to 75 years of age. It begins in cartilages.
The most common presenting symptoms of bone cancer are pain and decreased range of motion
Fever
Nighttime pain
Bone fractures
These symptoms may be caused by less serious conditions. Your general practitioner, orthopedist, or your child’s pediatrician will help you to find out the cause of the symptoms.
Things that increase your risk to get primary bone cancer include:
History of radiation therapy
Pre-existing bone defects or syndromes such as Paget's disease of bone
Genetically linked disorders
Imaging tests such as x-rays, bone scans, CT scans, and MRIs.
Laboratory tests (urinalysis, liver function testing, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine level) could be requested by the oncologist to evaluate other systems.
Bone biopsy to define the tumor grade and help your oncologist to set the proper treatment plan.
There are different treatment options for bone cancer which can be used alone or in combination. The approved treatment plan is decided according to the type, stage, and location of the bone cancer.
Chemotherapy- includes methotrexate, doxorubicin, and cisplatin.
Surgery - includes options ranging from removal of only the affected part of the bone to amputation of a limb.
Radiation therapy
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