Bone Cancer - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Guide to Bone Cancer: Identifying Symptoms, Causes, and Diagnosis

Bone cancer is an uncommon but serious type of cancer. Although it can occur in anybody at any age, it is mostly diagnosed in children, young individuals, and elderly people. In most cases, this medical condition begins in the long bones of the arms or limbs. However, bone cancer can take place in any bone.

Too often confused with typical bone injuries or arthritis in its nascent stages, bone cancer can grow very rapidly without early detection. Thus, identifying the bone cancer symptoms, knowing the causes, and considering the treatment options are all vital to ensuring improved outcomes and quality of life.

Keep reading!

What is Bone Cancer?

Bone cancers begin in the bones and are caused by bone cells growing uncontrollably. They can be either primary, which directly develops in the bone, or secondary (metastatic), having originated elsewhere in the body to reach the bones.

Although bone cancers may arise in any bone, they most often occur in the thigh, shin, or upper arm bones. Owing to their seriousness, bone cancers require prompt medical attention.

What are the Symptoms of Bone Cancer?

Mentioned below are the most common early signs of bone cancer that you should not overlook and take quick medical assistance:

• Bone pain,like throbbing, stabbing, or aching, that may worsen at night
• Night sweat
• A lump in the affected area
• Abnormal swelling around the affected region of the bone
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss

What are the Risk Factors of Bone Cancer?

Even though the key bone cancer causes are not yet known, there are certain risk factors that can lead to this condition. These include:

• Genetic Disorders: Some inherited genetic changes, like alterations in the RB1 gene that cause retinoblastoma, have also been known to predispose individuals to an increased risk of bone cancer.
• Multiple Exostoses Syndrome: This is an inherited condition characterized by the development of multiple cartilage-covered bone tumors (osteochondromas), which may become painful or deformed and pose a threat of transformation into bone cancer.
• Tuberous Sclerosis: Patients with this uncommon genetic disease, resulting from mutations in the TSC1 or TSC2 genes, are at increased risk of developing some types of bone tumors.In this regard, children are at a higher risk.
• Paget's Disease of Bone: A long-term bone disease predominantly occurring in older adults - Paget's disease leads to bone remodeling in an abnormal way and has been associated with a heightened risk of bone cancer, specifically osteosarcoma.
• Radiation Exposure: Receipt of radiation therapy, particularly in early life or in excessive doses, is an established risk factor for bone cancer, frequently appearing in later
• Older Age: Bone cancers like chondrosarcoma are more often seen in older people, so age is an important risk factor.
• Benign Bone Tumors: Benign tumors like enchondromas or osteochondromas, in some instances, may transform into malignant bone cancers like chondrosarcoma.
• Familial Chordoma: Some chordoma cases are familial and are associated with TBXT gene mutations, which put these individuals at risk within specific families.

What are the Stages of Bone Cancer?

Bone cancer is staged according to the size of the tumor, its grade, and how far it has spread. Staging assists in guiding treatment and estimating the prognosis. Tumors tend to be expressed in centimeters, with 8 cm (approximately 3 inches) being an important reference for classification.

The stages of bone cancer are as follows:

1. Stage 1 Bone Cancer

In this initial stage, the cancer is still within the bone and is low-grade. It can be smaller than or larger than 8 cm in width, but the tumor cells look less severe under a microscope. This phase of bone cancer is usually not metastasized and has a good prognosis.

2. Stage 2 Bone Cancer

The cancer is still confined to the bone but has become high-grade, which means the tumor cells look more abnormal and proliferate faster. Tumor size—be it less than or greater than 8 cm—indicates more aggressive disease behavior.

3. Stage 3 Bone Cancer

The tumor is still in the same bone but is now present at more than one location within the bone. In this stage, there is a higher chance that the cancer might spread and require more advanced treatment.

4. Stage 4 Bone Cancer

This is the most severe and advanced stage. The cancer has invaded other areas of the body in addition to the initial bone. In stage 4 bone cancer, the tumor is of any size and grade and can include the lungs, lymph nodes, or other tissues. It is usually classified as metastatic bone cancer and needs overall treatment planning.

How do Doctors Diagnose Bone Cancer?

Bone cancer diagnosis entails a combination of imaging and tissue examinations to ensure the disease's presence and extent. Here are the diagnostic methods:

• Imaging Tests: X-rays, MRI, CT scans, PET scans, and bone scans are often utilized in visualizing the size, location, and possible spread of the tumor.
• Biopsy: A biopsy is necessary to establish bone cancer by studying a tissue sample. This is possible through a needle or surgery. The technique used should be planned carefully so that it does not hinder future treatment.
   

Prior to a biopsy, it is recommended to seek the advice of a treatment team for bone cancer.

What are the Treatment Options for Bone Cancer?

Bone cancer treatment is customized depending on the type, stage, location, and the patient's general health and preferences. The treatment methods include:

• Surgery: The most important aim is the total removal of the tumor, occasionally along with surrounding healthy tissue. Bone can be rebuilt withgrafts or synthetic materials. Amputation is uncommon and only done when absolutely essential.
• Radiation Therapy: Used to eliminate any leftover cancer cells following surgery or in cases where surgery is not feasible.
• Chemotherapy: Frequently utilized pre- or post-surgery, particularly for osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma. Not usually effective for chondrosarcoma.
• Targeted Therapy: Special medications are used for tumors such as chordoma, where standard chemotherapy works less effectively.

Bone cancer is a rare but serious disease that requires awareness, prompt detection, and early treatment. Being aware of bone cancer symptoms, knowing its causes, and taking action quickly in the initial stage can significantly enhance results.

Additionally, since these treatments are costly, it is sensible to have a healthcare coverage plan beforehand. Star Health offers the Star Cancer Care Platinum Insurance Policy, which provides coverage for every phase of cancer to help you and your family with financial and medical protection.

Call us today for further details!