Cancer is a scary word, the mention of which conjures up images of pain and suffering. Depending on the body part affected, cancer can happen in various types. Bone cancer is a form of cancer affecting the cells of the bone. It is a rare type of cancer, but it is very aggressive and can be challenging to manage. Read further to learn about bone cancer, its types, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Bone cancer
Bone cancer is a form of cancer that originates in the bone cells. It can occur in any bone in the body but most often occurs in the long bones of the arms and legs. Bone cancer usually develops in children and young adults, although it can occur at any age.

Types

• Osteosarcoma is a bone cancer that starts in the soft tissues (cells and tissues) around bones, usually affecting the long bones in the arms or legs.
• Chondrosarcoma is a bone cancer that starts in the cartilage (the tissue that cushions joints).
• Ewing sarcoma is a rare form of bone cancer that begins in cells near the surface of bones. It can be very aggressive and usually affects the pelvis or other bones in the legs.

Symptoms

Swelling
Swelling in one or more areas of the body may be an early indicator of bone cancer. This swelling may be localized (only affecting one part of the body), regional (affecting several parts of the body), or generalized (affecting most parts of the body).

Pain
Pain in one or more areas may also be an early sign of bone cancer. The pain might initially be mild but could become increasingly severe over time. It may also spread to other parts of the body.

Fever and fatigue
It may happen due to infection from the tumor or increased production by the body’s immune system as it tries to fight off the disease. Bone cancers also often affect energy levels, causing fatigue even after just a few minutes of activity.

Weakened bones
Bone metastasis puts a person’s bones at risk of fracture. The common areas where the bones tend to break are the long bones (arms and legs) and the spine bones.

Limping
A person with bone cancer may limp because tumors can compress nerves near joints, making them unable to move normally.

Diagnosis

• X-rays use radiation to view the inside of the body and can show if there are any tumors or growths in the bones.
• MRI scans use powerful magnets and radio waves to create images of organs and tissues inside the body. This scan can help doctors locate any tumors or growths on the bones.
• CT scans also use radiation to make pictures of organs and tissues inside the body. But instead of using a machine to move around objects, it uses a series of ray beams that travel through a person’s body.

Treatment
Bone cancer is a severe and life-threatening condition that can be treated with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or surgery. Treatment options vary depending on the type of cancer and how far it has spread. Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to damage tumors and shrinks them, while chemotherapy uses anti-cancer prescriptions to kill cancer cells. Surgery removes the tumor and any surrounding tissue completely. Radiation therapy is most effective when it is combined with chemotherapy or surgery. Chemotherapy may also be used alone if the patient has an advanced disease or radiation therapy isn’t an option. Surgery may be advised if chemo does not work or the tumor is very large or in a critical location.

Knowing all options and finding a healthcare expert to help a person fight bone cancer as effectively as possible is important. Consult your doctor about options that work best for you based on your symptoms and medical history. Be sure to keep all appointments to get started on bone cancer treatment immediately.