Bone Cancer: What Is It, Types, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Many areas of the human body are conducive to tumor formation, one of which is the bones that cover a large part of the body. Tumors can arise from uncontrolled cell divisions occurring in the bones. If these tumors are malignant, it is referred to as bone cancer. The most common symptom of bone cancer is pain caused by the spread of the tumor or the fracture of a weakened bone due to a tumor. Additionally, there may be a feeling of stiffness and tenderness in the bone. Other symptoms such as fatigue, fever, swelling, and stumbling may also occur, but these can be caused by other conditions as well. The diagnosis of bone cancer is made through tests performed by a doctor.

What Is Bone Cancer?

Bone cancer is a type of cancer that refers to cancers occurring in the bones. When cancer cells develop in a bone, they can damage normal bone tissue. Bone cancer arises when a tumor or atypical tissue mass forms in a bone. A malignant tumor is often referred to as cancerous. When these cancers occur in the bone itself, they are called primary bone cancers; however, many tumors that start in other organs or parts of the body can spread to the bones as well as to other body parts. In this case, the resulting bone cancers are called secondary bone cancers. Tumors from the breast, prostate, and lungs are among the most common tumors that spread to the bones. However, the term bone cancer is often used to refer specifically to primary bone cancer. The symptoms of bone cancer depend on factors such as the patient's age, the type of bone cancer they have, how far the cancer has spread, and the likelihood of further spread. In general, it is much easier to treat bone cancer in healthy individuals whose cancer has not spread.

What Causes Bone Cancer?

The exact cause of bone cancer is not fully understood, but there are several factors that may contribute to the development of bone cancer. One of the most significant factors is exposure to radiation or drugs during the treatment of cancers occurring in other areas. In some cases, bone cancers may arise due to genetic conditions inherited from family. Other factors that can lead to bone cancer include:

• Radiation therapy
• Genetics
• Paget's disease
• Presence of other cancers
• Growth and development

What Are the Symptoms of Bone Cancer?

Bone cancer can affect all the bones in the body, but it most often develops in long bones such as the legs or upper arms. Many individuals with bone cancer do not exhibit symptoms other than feeling a painless lump. The most common symptom of bone cancer is pain in the lump, but sometimes these tumors can develop painlessly as well. Many people describe this pain as throbbing or stabbing in the bone. Some individuals report feeling a lump that can be hard or soft when touched. The most common symptoms of bone cancer include:

• Pain
• Swelling in the bone regions
• Tenderness in the affected area
• Fractures due to bone weakness
• Fatigue
• Anemia
• Fever
• Weight loss

Types of Bone Cancer

There are different types of bone cancer that can start in bone cells. The types of bone cancer include:

• Osteosarcoma: Osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer that can affect individuals of all ages, particularly common during adolescence. Osteosarcomas can develop in any part of the skeleton but frequently occur in the thigh bone (femur), upper shin bone (tibia), and upper arm bone (humerus). Osteosarcoma often occurs at the ends of bones where new tissues form as children grow, especially around the knees.
• Chondrosarcoma: Cartilage, which normally covers the ends of bones in joints, can also be found within bones. Chondrosarcoma can grow in cartilage tissues located within or on the surface of a bone. Cancers that arise from cartilage cells in the bone are referred to as chondrosarcomas. This type of bone cancer is often seen in adults aged 30 to 60.
• Ewing Sarcoma: Ewing sarcoma is most commonly observed in children and adolescents up to 14 years old. It typically occurs in regions such as the pelvis (hips), thigh bone (femur), shoulder bones, and ribs. An Ewing tumor can also occur in the soft tissues of the body, not just in hard tissues.
• Spindle Cell Sarcoma: Spindle cell sarcomas are most commonly found in adults aged 30 to 60. They are most frequently located in the leg bones. This rare type of bone cancer is very similar to osteosarcomas but does not produce the bony substance known as osteoid, as osteosarcomas do.

What is Bone Marrow Cancer?

Bone marrow cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the bone marrow, which is the spongy tissue found inside bones. Bone marrow cancer can arise anywhere in the body. The most common types are multiple myeloma and leukemia. Since these cancers are responsible for producing blood cells, they are also known as types of blood cancer. Cancers that begin in the bone itself are classified as bone cancer and are much less common than bone marrow cancer. Bone marrow cancer often leads to bone pain, weakness, or fractures. Other symptoms of bone marrow cancer may vary depending on the type of cancer.

How is Bone Cancer Treated?

The treatment for bone cancer can vary depending on the type of primary bone cancer, the location and size of the tumor, whether the cancer has spread, the person's age, overall health, and preferences. Treatment for primary bone cancer typically involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

• Surgical Treatment: Different surgical options may be applied depending on the location of the cancer. In some cases, only the tumor tissue is removed, while in others, the entire bone may need to be removed. The removed bone is replaced with a metal implant or a bone graft. Limb amputation may be preferred in cases where it is not possible to remove all the cancer without significantly affecting the arm or leg.
• Drug Therapy: The treatment plan for drug therapy includes medications that kill cancer cells. When a drug is administered in this way, it is referred to as systemic therapy. The drug can also be used locally, meaning it is applied directly to the cancer or retained in a specific area of the body.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy includes drugs that stop or slow the growth of cancer cells while causing minimal harm to healthy cells. Chemotherapy may be given for advanced osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma. It can be administered before surgery to shrink the tumor size, making it easier to remove afterward, or to kill remaining cancer cells.
• Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses controlled doses of radiation, such as focused X-rays, to kill or damage cancer cells. It may be applied before surgery to reduce the tumor size and facilitate its removal during surgery or chemotherapy, to kill remaining cancer cells, or to help control cancer when surgical removal is not possible.
• Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy is a treatment option that targets specific genes, proteins, or tissue environments contributing to the growth and spread of cancer. It helps in identifying treatment options specific to the cancer. The most common side effects include fatigue, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, increased liver enzymes, cough, constipation, and diarrhea.
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy uses the body's natural defense mechanisms to fight cancer by enhancing the immune system's ability to attack cancer cells. Many immunotherapy treatments have recently been approved for other types of cancer. Existing immunotherapy methods can also activate immune responses against normal body parts, a process known as autoimmunity. Common side effects may include skin reactions, flu-like symptoms, diarrhea, and weight changes.