What Is Bone Cancer?
Bone cancer is a term for several types of cancer that develop in the bones.
When cancer cells grow in bone, they can damage normal bone tissue. The type of cell and tissue where cancer starts determines the type of bone cancer.
Tumours that form in the bone itself are referred to as primary bone tumours.
Many cancers that start in organs or other parts of the body can spread to bones and other parts of the body. These growths are called secondary or metastatic bone tumours. Breast, prostate and lung cancer most commonly metastasize (spread) to the bones.
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How common is bone cancer?
Bone tumours are rare. They account for less than 1% of cancers in the United States. Although they can develop at any age, they are more common in children, adolescents, and young adults than in older adults.
Where Does Bone Cancer Usually Start?
It depends on the type of bone cancer you have. There are four types of primary bone cancer:
- Osteosarcoma: Osteosarcoma, the most common type of bone cancer, develops in cells where new bone is forming. It can start in any bone but usually starts at the ends of large bones like arms and legs. Doctors most commonly diagnose osteosarcoma in children and adolescents.
- Ewing's Sarcoma: Named after the doctor who first described this type of bone cancer, Ewing's sarcoma includes many different types of cancer that share similar characteristics and are believed to have bone origins and the same cell types. These tumours can form in the surrounding bone and soft tissue. Ewing's sarcoma most commonly develops in the hips, ribs, and shoulder blades, or long bones like the legs.
- Chondrosarcoma: Chondrosarcoma starts in a tissue called cartilage. Cartilage is the soft connective tissue that allows movement between bones and joints. Part of the cartilage becomes bone when the body adds calcium to it. This tumour usually forms in the bones of the arm, leg, or pelvis. Unlike osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma, chondrosarcoma is more common in adults than in young people.
- Chordoma: This rare tumour starts in the bones of the spine, usually at the base of the spine or the base of the skull. Like chondrosarcoma, chordoma is more common in older people. Men are more likely to get this type of bone cancer than women.
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Can a benign bone tumour become cancer?
Yes, but this is not common. Despite this, people with benign bone tumours may still need treatment to reduce their risk of other problems, such as weak bones, joint problems, and the destruction of healthy bone tissue.
What Should I Know About Bone Cancer Staging?
The stage depends on the size and location of the tumour and whether the tumour has spread to other areas.
Primary bone cancer is divided into four stages:
Stage 1: The tumour is low grade and the tumour cells are still localized.
Stage 2: Cancer cells are still localized but the tumour is of good quality.
Stage 3: The tumour is high grade and the tumour has spread to other areas of the same bone.
Stage 4: Cancer has spread from the bones to other parts of the body such as the lungs or liver.
What Are The Typical Symptoms Of Bone Cancer?
Some people with bone cancer have no symptoms other than a painless lump. Others may experience different symptoms. These symptoms can also occur due to other conditions, such as arthritis or Lyme disease, which can delay diagnosis.
The most common symptoms of bone cancer include:
- pains (usually worse at night).
- Unexplained swelling.
- Difficulty moving.
- Feeling very tired (tiredness).
- fever.
What Causes Bone Cancer?
Experts don't know exactly what causes bone cancer, but they have found links between bone cancer and other factors. The most important factor is exposure to radiation or drugs while being treated for other types of cancer. Some bone cancers are caused by conditions that are passed down in families (heredity), although this is not usually the case.
How Is Bone Cancer Diagnosed?
To diagnose bone cancer, your doctor often first uses X-rays to see images of your bones. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (computed tomography) provide more detailed images of areas around the bones and are usually done before each treatment.
To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor will perform a biopsy, in which a small piece of tissue is removed from the bone and examined under a microscope. A biopsy provides detailed information about cancer, including where it started. This information helps providers know which treatment is most appropriate for particular cancer. support and care about how is bone cancer treated.
Treatment
Treatment for bone cancer depends on the type of cancer, whether it has spread, and if so, where. People with bone cancer often work with a team of medical professionals to treat the disease. This group includes cancer doctors (oncologists and radiation oncologists) and bone and joint doctors (orthopaedists). Treatment of bone cancer typically involves a combination of different approaches.
The type and duration of these treatments depend on several factors, including the type of bone cancer, thither and how it has spread to other parts of the body.
The most commonly used treatments include:
Surgery: Your surgeon removes the tumour and some healthy tissue around it. They can also repair or rebuild affected bones with real or artificial bone grafts.
Sometimes the entire limb has to be removed to treat cancer. In this case, a prosthesis (prosthesis) can be used.
- Radiation therapy: This treatment uses high doses of X-rays to shrink tumours. Healthcare workers often use radiation therapy before surgery to shrink the tumour and remove less tissue.
- Chemotherapy: This type of treatment uses drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. People usually get this drug by swallowing a pill or injecting it into a vein. Your doctor may use chemotherapy to treat primary bone cancer or bone cancer that has spread.
Can Bone Cancer Be Prevented?
Because experts don't know what causes bone cancer, there is currently no known way to prevent it. And since radiation therapy (another known cause of bone cancer) is required to treat other types of cancer, it cannot be avoided entirely.
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Outlook/forecast
Many cases of bone cancer are successfully treated. In these cases, cancer never comes back. Sometimes people need multiple surgeries to achieve this. Other people with bone cancer may need follow-up treatment, including radiation and chemotherapy, to stop cancer from spreading. These therapies can last indefinitely to control cancer.
It is important to see your doctor regularly for signs of cancer recurrence or spread. The sooner a relapse is detected, the sooner your doctor or dietitian can start treatment.
Is Bone Cancer Usually Fatal?
Usually not. While some people die from bone cancer, many others make a full recovery. The 5-year relative survival rate for bone cancer is 66.8th%. This means that 66.8% of people with bone cancer are still alive five years after diagnosis.
Keep in mind that survival rates are only estimates based on people who have had bone cancer in the past. You cannot predict how long you will live or what to expect in your unique situation.
To learn more about bone cancer survival rates, talk to your doctor.
How Long Can You Live With Bone Cancer?
Many people with bone cancer are successfully treated and live full lives. People with early-stage bone cancer have a better chance of a full cure. If bone cancer is discovered later, survival rates drop.
When Should I See A Doctor?
Make an appointment with your doctor if you experience pain or swelling in your bones. If you're already being treated for bone cancer, be sure to let your doctor know if you develop new symptoms.
Diet Tips
Bone cancer is a serious condition that requires medical treatment, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Eating a healthy diet can help maintain your overall health and well-being during cancer treatment.
Here are some detailed nutrition tips that may be helpful:
- Eat a balanced diet: A balanced diet includes varied foods from all food groups. Try to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats every day. These foods provide essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants that support your immune system and overall health.
- Stay Hydrated: It is important to stay hydrated during cancer treatment. Drink plenty of fluids like water, herbal tea, and vegetable juice to flush toxins from your body and prevent constipation.
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- Increase your protein intake: Protein is essential for tissue repair and healing. Treating bone cancer can cause tissue damage, so it's important to get enough protein to help rebuild damaged tissue. Good sources of protein include lean meat, fish, beans, lentils, tofu, and Greek yoghurt.
- Calcium and Vitamin D intake: Bone cancer can weaken bones, and getting enough calcium and vitamin D is important to keep bones strong. Good sources of calcium include dairy products, green leafy vegetables, and fortified grains. Good sources of vitamin D include oily fish, egg yolks, and fortified milk.
- Limit processed and high-fat foods: High-fat and processed foods can be difficult to digest and may not provide the nutrients with your body needs. These foods can also contribute to weight gain, which can put extra stress on your bones and joints. Limit your intake of high-fat and processed foods and choose nutrient-dense, whole foods.
- Working with a Registered Dietitian: A Registered Dietitian can help you create a personalized meal plan that meets your specific dietary needs and preferences. They can also guide how to deal with side effects like nausea, fatigue, and loss of appetite.