Introduction
The term “bone cancer” refers to a wide range of cancers that develop in the bones. Normal bone tissue is affected when cancer cells grow in a bone. The sort of bone cancer that develops is determined by the type of cell and tissue in which it begins.
Bone cancer is a relatively uncommon disease. They account for less than 1% of all cancer cases. They can afflict anyone at any age, but they are more common in children, teenagers, and young adults than in the elderly.
What is Bone cancer?
When cancer cells grow in the bone, it affects the tissues. Bone cancers are categorized based on the type of cell in which cancer began.
Common types of bone cancer where do they start:
1. Ewing sarcoma
Named after the doctor who originally identified this type of bone cancer, Ewing sarcoma encompasses many tumors with comparable characteristics and origins in the same cell types. These tumors can develop in the bones and the soft tissues surrounding them. Most Ewing sarcomas develop in joints like the hips, ribs, and shoulder blades, as well as long bones like the legs.
2. Chondrosarcoma
It is cancer that starts in cartilage tissue. Bones and joints move freely because cartilage is a soft connective tissue. Some of the cartilage becomes bone when the body adds calcium to it. This cancer is most commonly found in the bones of the forearm, leg, or hips.
Chondrosarcoma is more common in adults than children, unlike osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma.
3. Chordoma
It is a rare tumor that starts in the spine’s bones near the base of the spine or the base of the skull. In older people, chordoma is more common than chondrosarcoma. A higher percentage of men than women develop this kind of bone cancer.
4. Osteosarcoma
It is the most prevalent type of bone cancer, and it grows in the cells that produce the new bone structure. It can begin in any bone, although it most commonly starts at the ends of big bones like the arms and legs.
Moreover, tumors that begin in the bone itself are known as primary bone malignancies. However, cancers that develop in the organs or other sections of the body can travel to the bones and other body parts. We refer these tumors to as secondary or metastatic bone malignancies.
Let’s talk about the signs and symptoms of Bone cancer.
Early signs and Symptoms
Other than a painless lump, some people with bone cancer have no symptoms. Others may experience many symptoms. These symptoms can also be elicited by other disorders, such as arthritis or Lyme disease, which can cause a delay in diagnosis. Bone cancer is most commonly characterized by the following symptoms:
- Discomfort (usually worse at night).
- Swelling in a particular area
- Moving around is difficult.
- Fatigue
Treatment of Bone Cancer
Your treatment options for bone cancer are influenced by
- the sort of cancer you have
- the stage of your illness
- your overall health
- your preferences.
Various types of bone cancer respond to specific therapies, and your doctor can help you choose the best one for you.
- Surgical removal – The tumor is usually removed in one piece, along with a tiny portion of surrounding healthy tissue, using specialized procedures. The surgeon may use metal and hard plastic replacement to replace the lost bone.
- Chemotherapy kills cancer cells by administering powerful anti-cancer medications into a vein (intravenously).
Conclusion
Bone cancer is rare, but it can start in most bones. Therefore, it is always a great idea to talk to an expert if you experience unusual symptoms like pain, swelling, etc.
If you notice any unusual symptoms, contact your doctor and get a diagnosis. For example, if you have bone cancer, your doctor will start the treatment at the right time!