Bone Cancer

Bone cancer is the neoplastic (abnormal) growth of tissue in bones which can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). It can begin in any bone in the body but most commonly affects the long bones of the arms and legs.

Types of Bone Cancer

Classification by origin

Primary

It originates in bone or from bone-derived cells and tissues.

Secondary

It originates in other body parts or organs and spreads to the skeleton.

Common types of bone cancer

Osteosarcoma

It is the most common primary bone cancer that usually occurs in young people. These tumors develop mostly in the bones of the arms, legs, or pelvis or in the ends of bones where new tissue forms.

Chondrosarcoma

It is the second most common primary bone cancer that usually occurs in aged people. Chondrosarcoma can develop anywhere where there is cartilage and mostly develops in bones such as the pelvis, knee shoulders, and upper thighs.

Ewing’s Sarcoma

It is the third most common primary bone cancer, and the second most common in young people. The most common sites for this cancer are the hips, the ribs, and the long bones of the legs or arms.

Fibrosarcoma

This cancer develops more often in soft tissues than in bones. Bones in the legs, arms, and jaw are most often affected.

Chordoma

This primary bone tumor usually occurs in the base of the skull and bones of the spine. It tends to grow slowly and often does not spread to other parts of the body.

Signs & Symptoms of Bone Cancer

  • Pain
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Weight loss
  • Anemia
  • Unexplained bone fractures

Treatment of Bone Cancer

Surgery

Surgery depends on the location and type of the cancer. If cancer is located in one or more of the limbs, it is often removed using the limb conservation approach.

  • Limb Salvage Surgery: It removes the part of the bone with cancer. A metallic implant (prosthesis) replaces the portion of bone that was removed.
  • Amputation: It may be needed if the tumor is large or extends to nerves and blood vessels. A prosthetic limb can aid function after amputation.

Chemotherapy

It is the use of anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells. Patients who have bone cancer usually receive a combination of anticancer drugs.

Radiation Therapy

Also called radiotherapy, it involves the use of high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells. This treatment may be used in combination with surgery.

Cryosurgery

This treatment involves the use of liquid nitrogen to freeze and kill cancer cells. It can sometimes be used instead of conventional surgery to destroy the tumor.

Location

1022-B, 10th Floor
Hemkunt Chambers 89, Nehru Place,
NEW DELHI – 110019. India
Get in Touch