Primary bone cancers originate in bone tissues, while other forms may originate elsewhere in the body and eventually spread to the bones. The effects of bone cancer vary according to the severity of disease and a person’s general state of health, but prompt identification and treatment offers the best possible prognosis.
Osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, and chondrosarcoma are considered the three primary types of bone cancer. There are other, less common types as well, including chordomas and fibrosarcoma. Bone cancer can affect any bone in the body, but in many cases, the disease begins in the thigh, shin, and upper arm bones.
Bone cancers are often named after the tissues they affect. For instance, osteosarcoma occurs within the cells responsible for growing new bone tissues, while fibrosarcomas affect the connective tissues found at the end of bones.
Bone tumours are linked to certain symptoms, including:
People with bone cancers and tumours may also feel consistently fatigued for no reason. You may also experience unexplained, unwanted weight loss.
Cancer results from changes in a person’s DNA that can cause unchecked growth of cells. While it is not totally clear why some people develop bone cancers, risk factors can include:
Keep in mind that many people who develop bone tumours do not have any obvious risk factors.
Understanding Bone Cancer Staging
If you have symptoms of bone cancer, visit your doctor immediately to undergo a cancer screening. Doctors will use diagnostic imaging (MRIs and CT scans), as well as biopsies to diagnose cancer. After your evaluation, your doctor may assign one of the following stages to your condition:
Low grade cancers have cells that multiply slowly and most look normal under a microscope. Conversely, high grade cancers feature more abnormal cells, and these cells tend to multiply rapidly.
Surgery is often used to manage bone cancer. Surgeons can remove tumours from bone tissue and apply bone grafts to weakened areas to preserve proper function of the limb or affected body part. When it comes to substantial growths, amputation may be necessary.
In the event a surgeon is unable to remove all cancerous tissues, radiation therapy may be administered after surgery. When it comes to bone cancer that is metastasized, chemotherapy may be administered before and/or after surgery.