* Bone Cancer

What is Bone Cancer

Bone cancer can begin in any bone in the body, but it most commonly affects the pelvis or the long bones in the arms and legs. Bone cancer is rare, making up less than 1 percent of all cancers. In fact, noncancerous bone tumors are much more common than cancerous ones.
The term “bone cancer” doesn’t include cancers that begin elsewhere in the body and spread (metastasize) to the bone. Instead, those cancers are named for where they began, such as breast cancer that has metastasized to the bone.
Some types of bone cancer occur primarily in children, while others affect mostly adults. Surgical removal is the most common treatment, but chemotherapy and radiation therapy also may be utilized. The decision to use surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy is based on the type of bone cancer being treated.

Primary Bone Cancer:

Osteosarcoma: This is the most common type of primary bone cancer and often occurs in the long bones, particularly around the knee. It is most frequently diagnosed in teenagers and young adults.

Chondrosarcoma: Originating in the cartilage cells, chondrosarcoma is more common in adults. It typically occurs in the bones of the pelvis, legs, and arms.

Ewing Sarcoma: A rare cancer that usually affects the bones but can also occur in soft tissues. It often occurs in children and young adults.

Secondary (Metastatic) Bone Cancer:

Secondary bone cancer, or metastatic bone cancer, occurs when cancer from other parts of the body (such as the breast, lung, prostate, or kidney) spreads to the bones. The cancer cells travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system and form new tumors in the bones.

Causes and Risk Factors:

• Genetic Factors: Inherited genetic conditions, such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome or hereditary retinoblastoma, may increase the risk of primary bone cancer.

• Radiation Exposure: Previous exposure to high-dose radiation therapy for other cancers may elevate the risk.

• Paget’s Disease: Individuals with Paget’s disease, a bone disorder, have an increased risk of developing bone cancer.

• Age and Gender: Osteosarcoma is more common in teenagers and young adults, while chondrosarcoma is more common in older adults.

• Other Medical Conditions: Certain conditions, such as multiple exostoses (benign bone tumors), may increase the risk.

Symptoms of Bone Cancer:

• Persistent bone pain, especially at night or during physical activity.

• Swelling or a lump near the affected area.

• Unexplained fractures or breaks in the bone.

• Fatigue and weakness.

• Unintended weight loss.

Diagnosis:

• Imaging Tests: X-rays, CT scans, MRI, and bone scans to visualize the affected area.

• Biopsy: Removal of a tissue sample for examination under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer and determine its type.

Treatment:

• • Surgery: Removal of the cancerous tumor and surrounding tissues.
• • Chemotherapy: Use of drugs to kill cancer cells or stop their growth.
• • Radiation Therapy: High-energy beams are used to target and kill cancer cells.
• • Targeted Therapy: Medications that specifically target certain molecules involved in cancer growth.
• • Immunotherapy: Boosting the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells.

Prognosis:

• The prognosis varies based on the type and stage of bone cancer.

• Early detection and treatment significantly impact outcomes.

• Survival rates can be influenced by factors such as the location of the tumor, the size of the tumor, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body.