What is Bone Cancer?

• Bone cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the bone
• It may begin in the bone (primary bone cancer) or spread from another area (secondary bone cancer)
• The two most common types of primary bone cancer are osteosarcoma and Ewing’s sarcoma
• Most often affects children, teens, and young adults

Types of Bone Cancer

Osteosarcoma

• Most common type of primary bone cancer
• Usually develops in the long bones, such as the arms or legs
• Common in teenagers and young adults
• Often starts near the ends of bones where growth is rapid

Ewing’s Sarcoma

• A rare type of bone or soft tissue cancer
• Commonly affects the pelvis, thigh, or chest wall
• Most often occurs in children and adolescents
• Known to grow and spread quickly

What causes Bone Cancer?

• Exact cause is unknown, but several risk factors are known
• Genetic mutations or inherited conditions
• Radiation exposure from previous cancer treatments
• Bone disorders such as Paget’s disease
• Certain inherited syndromes like Li-Fraumeni syndrome

Symptoms of Bone Cancer

• Persistent bone pain that worsens over time
• Swelling near a bone or joint
• A lump or mass in the affected area
• Bone fractures with minor injuries
• Fatigue and weight loss
• Limited movement or stiffness in joints

How is Bone Cancer diagnosed?

• Physical examination and review of symptoms
• Imaging tests such as X-ray, MRI, CT scan, or bone scan
• Biopsy to confirm the type and stage of cancer
• Blood tests to check for markers like alkaline phosphatase

Stages of Bone Cancer

• Staging helps determine the extent of cancer and guides treatment
• Localized: Cancer is only in the bone
• Regional: Cancer has spread to nearby tissues
• Metastatic: Cancer has spread to distant parts of the body

Treatment for Bone Cancer

Surgery

• Removes the tumor and surrounding healthy tissue
• Limb-sparing surgery is common in many cases
• Amputation may be needed in severe or advanced cases

Chemotherapy

• Uses drugs to kill cancer cells
• Often used before or after surgery
• Can shrink tumors and reduce recurrence risk

Radiation Therapy

• High-energy rays target and destroy cancer cells
• Commonly used in Ewing’s sarcoma
• May be used before surgery to shrink the tumor or after to kill remaining cells

Targeted Therapy

• Focuses on specific cancer cell genes or proteins
• Still under research and development for many bone cancers

Complications of Bone Cancer

• Spread to lungs or other organs
• Recurrence after treatment
• Bone weakness and increased fracture risk
• Side effects from treatment like nausea, fatigue, or infection
• Emotional and psychological impact

How to manage and cope with Bone Cancer?

• Regular follow-ups and imaging tests
• Physical therapy for recovery after surgery
• Pain management through medications and therapy
• Nutritional support for strength and healing
• Emotional support through counseling or support groups

When to see a doctor?

• Persistent bone pain or swelling that doesn’t go away
• Unexplained bone fractures
• Lumps or masses in bones or soft tissue
• Sudden weight loss or fatigue without reason
• If you have a family history of bone cancer or related syndromes