Bone Cancer

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with bone cancer, you probably feel scared and uncertain about what to do next. But don’t worry–some treatments can help you manage the disease and improve your quality of life. This guide will help you understand your diagnosis, make treatment decisions, and cope with the challenges of living with bone cancer.

Bone cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the cells of the bone. Bone cancer is relatively rare, accounting for only about 1% of all cancers. The most common type of bone cancer is osteosarcoma, which typically affects children and young adults. Other types of bone cancer include chondrosarcoma, Ewing’s sarcoma, and giant cell tumor of the bone.

Bone cancer occurs when the normal process of cell growth gets disturbed. As a result, cells grow out of control, forming a mass or tumor. These bone tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Benign tumors are not as likely to spread to other parts of the body, but they can still cause damage by growing and destroying healthy tissue. Malignant tumors are more likely to spread or metastasize to other body parts.

The most common symptom of bone cancer is pain in the affected bone. The pain may come and go at first, but it gradually worsens over time. Bone cancer pain is often described as a dull ache that worsens with activity and improves with rest. Other symptoms of bone cancer may include:

• Tenderness or swelling around the tumor
• A feeling of fullness or pressure in the affected area
• Weakness, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss
• Fractures (breaks) in the affected bone, even without an injury

The exact cause of bone cancer is unknown. However, certain risk factors may increase your chance of developing the disease. These include:

• A family history of bone cancer
• Exposure to high-dose radiation therapy
• Certain genetic conditions, such as retinoblastoma or Li-Fraumeni syndrome

Possible complications of bone cancer include spreading the disease to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or brain, and the development of secondary cancers. Treatment side effects, such as infection and nerve damage, are also possible.

Side effects from bone cancer treatment will vary depending on the type and intensity of the treatment. Common side effects of surgery may include pain, swelling, and infection. Side effects of radiation therapy may include fatigue, skin irritation, and nausea. Chemotherapy’s side effects may include hair loss, mouth sores, and diarrhea.

There is no sure way to prevent bone cancer. However, there are certain things you can do to lower your risk of developing the disease. These include avoiding exposure to high-dose radiation and staying at a healthy weight. If you have a family history of bone cancer, talk to your doctor about your risks and what you can do to reduce them.