Bone Cancer

Why choose us for Bone Cancer?

What you need to know about Bone Cancer

Bone cancer is a rare form of cancer that begins in the bones. It can affect any bone in the body, but it most commonly affects the long bones of the arms and legs. Bone cancer can be primary, originating in the bone itself, or secondary (metastatic), which means it has spread from another part of the body.

 

How to talk to your doctor about Bone Cancer

Before the Appointment

  1. List Your Symptoms: Write down all the symptoms you have, even if they seem small.
  2. Medical History: Be ready to talk about your health history and your family’s health.
  3. List of Medications: Include all the medicines and supplements you take.
  4. Bring a Friend: Having someone with you can help you feel supported and remember information.
  5. Write Down Questions: Prepare a list of questions to ask your doctor.

During the Appointment

  1. Be Honest: Share all your symptoms and concerns.
  2. Ask for Clarification: If you don’t understand something, ask your doctor to explain it again.
  3. Take Notes: Write down important information or ask if you can record the conversation.
  4. Discuss Next Steps: Make sure you understand your treatment plan and next steps.

After the Appointment

  1. Review Your Notes: Go over the information while it’s still fresh in your mind.
  2. Seek a Second Opinion: If you have any doubts, don’t hesitate to get a second opinion.
  3. Stay Informed: Learn more about your condition and treatment options from reliable sources.
  4. Stay in Touch: Keep communicating with your healthcare team and report any new symptoms or concerns.

  • Osteosarcoma:

    • Most common type, typically affects children and young adults.
    • Often occurs in the long bones around the knee.

  • Chondrosarcoma:

    • Develops in the cartilage cells.
    • More common in adults over 40.

  • Ewing Sarcoma:

    • Affects children and young adults.
    • Often starts in the bones but can also arise in soft tissue around the bones.

  • Fibrosarcoma and Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma:

    • Rare types usually affecting adults.
    • Typically start in soft tissue but can occur in bones.

  • Chordoma:

    • Rare, slow-growing cancer.
    • Usually occurs in the spine and base of the skull.

The exact cause of most bone cancers is unknown, but several factors may increase the risk:

  • Genetic mutations: Inherited genetic syndromes, such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome and hereditary retinoblastoma.
  • Radiation therapy: Previous exposure to high doses of radiation.
  • Bone conditions: Certain benign bone conditions like Paget’s disease.

Symptoms of bone cancer can vary depending on the type, location, and stage of the cancer, but common symptoms include:

    • Pain in the affected bone, which may become more severe over time and with activity
    • Swelling or a noticeable lump in the area of the pain
    • Fractures or breaks in the affected bone, often with minimal trauma
    • Fatigue and weight loss
    • Reduced mobility or joint stiffness if the cancer is near a joint
  • Physical examination: Initial assessment of symptoms.
  • Imaging tests:
    • X-rays: Initial imaging to identify bone abnormalities.
    • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Detailed images of bone and soft tissues.
    • CT (Computed Tomography) scan: Cross-sectional images for better detail.
    • Bone scan: Detects bone diseases and tumors.
    • PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scan: Highlights cancerous cells.
  • Biopsy: Removal of a tissue sample for examination.
    • Needle biopsy: A needle is used to extract tissue.
    • Surgical biopsy: A small incision is made to remove tissue.

  • Surgery:

    • Limb-sparing surgery: Removes the cancerous section of bone while preserving the limb.
    • Amputation: Removal of part or all of the limb if necessary.
    • Reconstructive surgery: Rebuilding the affected bone or joint using bone grafts or prosthetics.

  • Chemotherapy:

    • Uses drugs to kill cancer cells, often used before surgery (neoadjuvant) to shrink tumors or after surgery (adjuvant) to kill remaining cells.

  • Radiation therapy:

    • Uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells, often used when surgery isn’t an option or to shrink tumors before surgery.

  • Targeted therapy:

    • Uses drugs or other substances to precisely identify and attack cancer cells.

  • Immunotherapy:

    • Boosts the body’s natural defenses to fight cancer.

Prognosis depends on several factors:

  • Type and stage of cancer.
  • Location and size of the tumor.
  • Patient’s age and overall health.
  • How well the cancer responds to treatment.
  • Vary widely depending on the type of bone cancer and stage at diagnosis.
  • For localized osteosarcoma, the five-year survival rate is around 60-80%.
  • Chondrosarcoma has a five-year survival rate of about 70%.
  • Ewing sarcoma’s five-year survival rate is around 70% if cancer has not spread.

 

Early detection and advances in treatment improve the outlook for many patients with bone cancer. Multidisciplinary care involving oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and other specialists is crucial for the best outcomes.

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