Cancer is a condition characterised by the development of abnormal cells that divide uncontrollably. They can infiltrate and destroy normal body tissue, which, if left untreated, can be fatal. It can originate from different organs like head and neck, lung, stomach, breast,bone,soft tissue etc.
When cancer originates in the human body’s bones, it is called bone cancer. Although bone cancer can begin in any bone, it commonly occurs in the pelvis or the long bones in the arms and legs. Alternatively, when cancer is detected in some other part of the body and spreads to bone, it is called bone metastasis.
Bone is a living, changing thing, and in the human body, cells in the bone are constantly undergoing the process of breaking down and rebuilding. There are two types of bone cells, namely osteoclasts and osteoblasts. The function of osteoclasts is to break down old bones, while osteoblasts help to build new bones.
In an interaction with OnlyMyHealth, Dr Indoo Ammbulkar HOD- Medical Oncology, HCG cancer centre, Mumbai, explained all about bone cancer.
What Are The Types of Bone Cancer?
There are three types of primary bone cancer: osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma and chondrosarcoma. As per research, with its origin in the osteoblast cells, osteosarcoma is the most common type of primary bone cancer. On the other hand, Ewing sarcoma typically affects children and young adults, generally beginning in the pelvic bones, the spine, ribs, shoulder blades, and the long bones of the legs. Finally, chondrosarcoma is another type of bone cancer that usually affects people above 20.
What Are The Symptoms of Bone Cancer?
One of the most common symptoms of bone cancer is persistent pain that occurs even when the person is resting. In some instances, the pain might be periodic and even cause difficulties in walking.
Other possible signs and symptoms of bone cancer include swelling and tenderness near the affected area, weakened bone leading to fracture, swelling, fever, night sweats, and unintentional weight loss.
Also read: 4 Simple Tips To Prevent Bone Disease
“Since many of these symptoms are also associated with other conditions like knee arthritis and osteoporosis, misdiagnosis is frequent. Understanding the symptoms of bone cancer can help to ensure its timely detection and treatment, thereby improving its outcomes,” said Dr Ammbulkar. Further, she added, “Since bone cancer also occurs in children, many people mistake them for growth spurts. To avoid such confusion and prevent delays in treatment, seeking expert advice from a specialist is always recommended.”
What Are The Risk Factors For Bone Cancer?
Risk factors related to bone cancer cannot be controlled, so it is highly recommended that a person contacts a doctor or specialist if they have unexplained swelling, pain, or a lump in any part of the bone. Other risk factors include:
- A person has a family history of cancer, particularly bone cancer
- A person has received radiation treatment or therapy for other types of cancer
- A person has Paget’s disease, where the bones break down and grow back in an atypical manner
- A person has multiple tumours in their bone cartilage
- A person suffers from Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Bloom syndrome, or Rothmund-Thomson syndrome, increasing their risk of developing cancers
How is Bone Cancer Diagnosed & Treated?
Bone cancer is diagnosed through three main methods, these include:
A physical examination in which a doctor will examine any lumps or swelling that the patient may be experiencing. The doctor will also ask about any specific symptoms they are experiencing along with their duration to understand the situation better.
Imaging tests like Computed Tomography (CT) scans, X-rays, and MRI, which provide a detailed look into the bone for signs of any tumour, are also conducted by a specialist if required.
A bone biopsy that takes a small bone tissue sample via needle is done to look for cancer cells.
Once bone cancer is diagnosed, the treatment plan depends on the type and stage of cancer. A more comprehensive plan may be needed if it has spread to other body parts. In most cases, specialists and oncologists recommend a combination of treatments which include surgery (removing sections of the affected bone which is then replaced or reconstructed), chemotherapy (involving medicines to kill cancer cells), and radiation therapy (use of radiation to kill cancer cells).
What are the Various Stages Of Bone Cancer?
Staging for any bone cancer depends on the tumour’s size and location. It is also based on whether the cancer has spread to other body parts. In most cases, primary bone cancer has four stages:
Stage 1: The tumour is low-grade, with the cancer cells only present in a localised region.
Stage 2: Although the cancer cells are localised, the tumour is high-grade, requiring immediate treatment.
Stage 3: The tumour is high-grade, and cancer has now spread to areas within the same bone.
Stage 4: Cancer has spread from the bone to other body parts, like the lungs or liver.
What is the future outlook for bone cancer patients?
Bone cancer is treatable, especially if they are diagnosed at an early stage. Treatment depends upon the stage of the disease and site of cancer.They are usually treated with surgery and chemotherapy.
Also read: Not Just Your Lungs, Here’s How Smoking Is Bad For Your Bone Health Too
It is essential to follow up with a specialist to ensure that the cancer remains under control, as early detection of recurrence will help to ensure successful control and management of the condition.
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