Bone cancer is not as common as other forms of cancer. It can however be equally as deadly if it is not treated early. Although you or someone you know may not be at risk of developing the condition, it is always best to know some basic facts.

Malignant Osteosarcoma (bone cancer)

What It Is

Often, what may seem like bone cancer is really another form of cancer that has spread to the bones. Breast or lung cancer in an advanced stage for example may do so. In this case, the cancer is said to have metastasized to the bones but continue to carry the characteristics of the cancer cells from the original point of growth.

Only cancer that begins primarily in the bones or bone structures is considered bone cancer in a strict sense. It is rarer than cancer that has spread to the bones and is more common in children and young individuals than adults. The elderly however are in no way exempt from developing cancer of the bone.

There are many types of bone cancer but the most common is osteosarcoma. This cancer often begins in the fast developing bones of the arms and legs. Other cancer types include chondrosarcoma which begins in the cartilage and chordoma which affects the bones of the spine. Cancers of the bone that can begin in soft tissues include Ewing’s sarcoma, fibrosarcoma and malignant fibrous histiocytoma.

Symptoms

One clue that may point to the development of bone cancer is pain. Among some patients though, pain may be absent even when there is already a tumor growth. Other accompanying symptoms may also be absent early on. Other symptoms that may show up include fever, fatigue, chills, weight loss and bones that easily get fractured.

Causes

Experts are currently unaware as to the real causes of cancers of the bone. There may be some clues to possible causes though when one takes into account the higher risk levels associated with people who have certain conditions. Individuals who have had benign bone tumors, Rothmund-Thomson syndrome, retinoblastoma and Paget’s disease have a higher risk of developing bone cancer. It has also been determined that patients who undergo high levels of radiation therapy are also at a higher risk of developing this cancer type.

Diagnosis

If your doctor suspects that you have a tumor on your bone, you may have to undergo preliminary imaging tests. These would include MRI, CT scan and x-ray. Bone scans are also recommended in which a radioactive substance helps form an image of the bone area. If a tumor is found, a biopsy through needle aspiration or through surgery will be performed.

Treatment

Bone cancer is treated through similar methods as other cancer types. The intensity and combination of treatments however will depend on the severity of the cancer. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy may be used together before or after surgery. Higher amounts of chemotherapy drugs are often required if cancer cells have spread beyond their point of origin. Unlike radiation therapy and surgery which are used on a limited area, chemotherapy is a systemic treatment that covers the entire body.