Quick overview of bone cancer symptoms
Signs and symptoms of bone cancer include:
- Bone pain
- Swelling and tenderness around the affected area
- Weak bones, which can cause fractures
- Impaired mobility and joint stiffness
- High temperature (fever) that may cause excessive sweating
- Feeling extremely tired
- Unexplained weight loss
If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, consult a doctor immediately.
What exactly is bone cancer?
Bone cancer is characterized by abnormal cell growth within a bone, most frequently in the thighbone. It includes various types of bone cancer. As the cancer cells grow, they can damage healthy bone tissue. While bone cancers can occur in any bone, they are most common in the thighbone, shinbone, or upper arm.
The term “bone cancer” excludes cancers that start elsewhere in the body and then spread to the bones. Cancers that metastasize to the bones are named according to their original site. For instance, if lung cancer spreads to the bones, it is still called lung cancer, though doctors may refer to it as “lung cancer that has metastasized to the bones.”
Bone cancer originating in the bones is uncommon. There are various types of bone cancers, with some primarily affecting children and others mainly impacting adults. Typical treatments include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. The most suitable treatment for your bone cancer depends on the specific type of cancer, the affected bone, and other factors.
What are the causes of bone cancer?
Most bone cancers have unknown causes. They start when cells in or near a bone experience a DNA mutation. DNA, which contains instructions for cell functions, guides healthy cells to grow, multiply normally, and die when needed. In cancer cells, DNA alterations produce abnormal instructions, leading to rapid cell division. Unlike healthy cells, cancer cells can survive longer, leading to an overabundance of cells.
Cancer cells can form a mass called a tumor that can grow, invade surrounding tissue, and harm healthy cells. Over time, these cells may detach and spread to other parts of the body, a process known as metastasis.
What are the risk factors associated with bone cancer?
Factors that elevate the risk of developing bone cancer include:
- Inherited genetic syndromes: such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome and hereditary retinoblastoma, are rare conditions passed down in families that increase the risk of developing bone cancer.
- Other bone conditions: Certain conditions, such as Paget’s disease of bone and fibrous dysplasia, may increase the risk of developing bone cancer.
- Cancer treatment: such as radiation therapy and certain chemotherapy drugs, may raise the risk of developing bone cancer. Secondary bone cancers (metastases) associated with chemotherapy are more common than chemo-induced primary bone cancer. Radiation exposure is a significant treatment-related risk.
How is bone cancer diagnosed?
A bone cancer diagnosis usually starts with imaging tests to inspect the affected bone. To determine if a bone growth is cancerous, a tissue sample might be taken and analyzed for cancer cells.
- Imaging Tests: These tests produce images of the body and can reveal the location and size of a bone cancer. They may include X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) scan, and bone scan.
- A biopsy: involves extracting a tissue sample for lab analysis. To ensure it doesn’t affect the upcoming surgery for bone cancer removal, it is crucial to have the procedure performed by a specialized healthcare team. Ask for a referral beforehand.
What are the treatment options for bone cancer?
Treatments for bone cancer encompass surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. The most suitable options vary based on factors such as the cancer’s type, location, and stage. Additionally, your healthcare team considers your overall health and personal preferences when recommending a treatment plan.
- Surgery: for bone cancer aims to eliminate the tumor. The surgeon might remove the tumor along with some nearby healthy tissue. In rare cases, an arm or leg may need to be amputated to ensure all the cancer is removed. Following amputation, you may opt for an artificial limb, and with practice, you will be able to perform daily activities using it.
- Chemotherapy: involves using potent medicines to treat cancer, with many different drugs available. Most are administered via an IV, though some are taken as pills. It is frequently used after surgery for specific types of bone cancers.
- Radiation therapy: uses high-energy beams, such as X-rays or protons, to treat cancer. It is often used after surgery to eliminate remaining cancer cells or to control bone cancer when surgery isn’t feasible.
Living with bone Cancer
Make an appointment with a healthcare provider if you experience unexplained bone pain or swelling. Contact your child’s provider if they have a persistent lump or swelling. If you are receiving treatment for bone cancer, inform your provider of any new symptoms. After finishing treatment, attend all follow-up visits. During the first two years, you might need to see your provider every 3 to 6 months, then less often afterward. Regular check-ups help your provider catch any recurrence early, when treatment works best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to prevent bone cancer?
Since the exact causes of bone cancers are not fully understood, prevention is currently not possible. Radiation therapy, which is another known cause, is often essential for treating other cancers, so it cannot be avoided entirely. If you notice unusual changes in your bones, such as a lump or worsening pain, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider. These symptoms typically do not mean cancer, but only a professional can determine the actual cause.
How often does bone cancer happen?
Bone cancers are rare, making up less than 1% of all cancers in the U.S. While they can happen at any age, they are more commonly diagnosed in children, teenagers, and young adults than in older people. Most bone tumors are benign. Unlike malignant bone cancers, benign bone tumors do not metastasize.
What possible complications could arise from this condition?
Bone cancers weaken the bones they affect, which can sometimes result in fractures called “pathologic fractures.” Sometimes, doctors discover bone cancers during fracture examinations.
When can I expect to begin feeling better after treatment?
Pain caused by bone cancers often subsides shortly after beginning treatment, but the treatments themselves may lead to side effects and require recovery time. Adjusting to a prosthesis can demand up to six months of rehabilitation and physical therapy. After limb-sparing surgery, it might take as long as a year to feel entirely comfortable with the changes in your bones. Overall, your recovery time depends on factors such as the cancer’s type and stage, as well as the treatments used. Your doctor will inform you about what to expect, helping you select the most appropriate treatment options.
What is the survival rate of bone cancer?
Bone cancers can be deadly, but many people recover completely. The 5-year relative survival rate is 68.2%, indicating that 68.2% of patients survive at least 5 years after diagnosis. Generally, those with lower-stage bone cancers have better chances of full recovery, while higher-stage cases, especially when spread has occurred, have an increased risk of recurrence. Keep in mind that survival rates are estimates based on past data and do not determine your individual prognosis. For more detailed information about survival rates, talk to your doctor.
