Bone Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
The human body has 206 bones. There are two types of bones in the body: long and short. Bone cancer can occur in any bone in the body. However, it is most common on long bones.
Bone cancer often affects the bones and the protective tissue around them. It starts when cells in the bone start to multiply rapidly and form tumours. These tumours can then break through the surface of the bones, causing pain, swelling, or severe deformity.
Metastatic bone cancer is another common form of bone cancer. When a patient has metastatic bone cancer, it means that their tumour cells have spread to their bones from another part of their body, usually the lungs, breast, or prostate cancer. This type of cancer can also affect other organs like the kidneys and liver. The prognosis for metastatic bone cancer depends on the type and stage of your disease, your age, and general health.
Types of Bone Cancer
Osteosarcoma: It is cancer that starts in the bone cells. It can affect any bone, but most often occurs around the knee or hip (extraskeletal osteosarcomas). It usually begins in children or young adults, but it can occur at any age.
Chondrosarcoma: It is cancer that starts in cartilage cells. It usually occurs in the shoulders and hips, but can also occur in other areas of the body. It can be difficult to diagnose because it often produces no symptoms.
Ewing sarcoma: It is cancer that starts in the bone or soft tissues near the bone. The common cancer sites are the pelvis, legs, or arms. It typically affects children and young adults and is more common among males than females.
Causes Of Bone Cancer
Bone cancer has been a topic of debate for decades. Although its causes are not clear, many results usually indicate genetic mutation as one of the leading causes. Mutation makes it easier for abnormal cells to grow. It can happen spontaneously or be passed down from a parent with the disease. It can also be caused by radiation exposure, certain chemicals, Paget’s disease of the bone or certain viruses like the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Symptoms Of Bone Cancer
Bone cancer can be difficult to diagnose because it does not always have symptoms.
- Pain in the bones that persists or that only occurs at night.
- Lump on the bone, which may be painful/ not painful, and may come and go over time.
- Swelling in the arm or leg can lead to difficulty moving that limb.
- Swelling and tenderness bruising around an injured area
- Persistent fever, Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
Treatment Options For Bone Cancer
The goal of bone cancer treatment is to cure, control, or relieve symptoms of the disease. There are many different treatments for bone cancer, and doctors will choose one based on a patient’s age, size, location, and type. It is ideal to consult the best cancer surgeon in Pune or near you to explore your options.
Limb Salvage Surgery: It is a procedure that may be used to treat bone cancer. The goal of the surgery is to remove all the cancer cells from the limb and then reconstruct the area with healthy tissue.
Amputation: It is a surgical procedure where part or all of a limb is removed due to cancer.
Radiation Therapy: It uses high-energy waves and particles to kill cancer cells in the body.
Chemotherapy: It uses drugs that kill cancer cells and stop them from growing.
Targeted Therapy: It specifically targets specific types of cells, such as tumour cells or immune system cells.
Conclusion
Although bone cancer is rare, it can be fatal in some cases if ignored. Watch for the symptoms and consult Galaxy Care Hospital, the centre for the best cancer treatment in Pune. We provide comprehensive cancer treatment and care to patients. Our hospital has state-of-the-art facilities, experienced doctors, and nurses to take care of patients during their cancer recovery. We are also the pioneers and leaders in Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery, ensuring minimal pain & trouble for patients. Get in touch with us to book your appointment with the famous Oncologists in Pune. Read now!
