Bone cancer is a rare group of cancers. According to data from the National Cancer Institute in Thailand, it occurs in 8 individuals per million people. If diagnosed, the disease can progress rapidly, meaning symptoms may worsen quickly. Bone cancer can affect both children and middle-aged individuals, depending on the type of cancer. Today, let’s learn more about bone cancer.
What is bone cancer?
Bone cancer occurs when bone tissue cells divide and grow abnormally. It is classified into two types: primary bone cancer and secondary bone cancer.
Types of bone cancer
Bone cancer is divided into two types: primary and secondary bone cancer, with distinct differences:
1 Primary Bone Cancer – This type originates from bone cells, often found near joints such as the knee, hip, or shoulder. It can occur at any age, and the most common primary bone cancers include:
o Osteosarcoma: The most common type of bone cancer, usually found in children or individuals aged 20-29. It typically occurs in long bones like the thigh bone, shinbone, or upper arm. The incidence rate is 3-4 cases per million people, with a slightly higher prevalence in males.
o Chondrosarcoma: A cancer of cartilage, typically found in the pelvis or hip. It occurs in people over 40 years old, with an incidence rate of 1-2 cases per million people, slightly more common in males.
o Ewing’s Sarcoma: A highly aggressive bone and soft tissue cancer, often affecting those aged 10-20 years. If it spreads, the chances of survival decrease significantly. It is commonly found in the pelvis, long bones of the arms and legs, or the spine, with an incidence rate of 1-2 cases per million people, more common in males.
2 Secondary Bone Cancer
o This type occurs when cancer cells from other primary cancers spread to the bones. Almost all cancers can invade bones in the late stages, but five cancers are more likely to spread to bones early: lung, breast, prostate, thyroid, and kidney cancers. Secondary bone cancer is typically found in the skull, ribs, and spine.
What are the symptoms of different types of bone cancer?
o Primary Bone Cancer – Patients experience severe bone pain, unlike regular pain, that worsens over time, especially at night. As the disease progresses, the pain becomes constant. Other symptoms may include swelling or redness around the affected bone, deformities, neurological issues, fever, fatigue, and weight loss.
o Secondary Bone Cancer – Since cancer cells have spread to the bones, they damage the bone structure, making bones thin and fragile, leading to fractures from minor incidents such as falling or lifting heavy objects. Neurological symptoms such as numbness, weakness, or even paralysis may also occur.
The main difference between these two types is that primary bone cancer usually presents with lumps and severe pain, while secondary bone cancer typically involves neurological symptoms without visible lumps, leading to paralysis or weakness.
Could frequent bone pain or fragile bones be a sign of bone cancer?
Although these symptoms can be signs of bone cancer, they may also indicate other conditions such as:
o Osteoporosis: Bones become thinner and fragile, commonly found in the elderly, post-menopausal women, or those with calcium deficiencies.
o Arthritis: Causes pain and swelling in the joints, making movement difficult.
o Injuries or accidents: Can result in bone fractures or cracks.
o If these symptoms arise, it is important to consult a doctor for diagnosis. Doctors may perform a physical examination, X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to assess the size and location of the tumor. A biopsy is the most definitive method to diagnose bone cancer. Blood tests, urine tests, and chest X-rays may also be conducted to evaluate the spread of the cancer and the patient’s overall health.
Bone cancer diagnosis
Doctors diagnose bone cancer by assessing symptoms, examining the affected bone, and conducting other tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to determine the size of the tumor for surgery planning. A biopsy is the most definitive diagnosis method, where a sample of the bone tissue is examined. Additional tests like blood work, urine analysis, or chest X-rays are performed to check if cancer has spread to the lungs. Bone marrow tests and liver scans may also be conducted to assess the extent of the cancer.
Treatment options for bone cancer
Treatment depends on the type, size, location, and stage of cancer, as well as other factors like age, health, and underlying conditions. Common treatment methods include:
1. Surgery – Surgeons remove the cancerous tumor and surrounding tissue, replacing the bone with a durable endoprosthesis or bone from another part of the body. In severe cases, amputation may be necessary if the tumor is too large or critical structures like blood vessels or nerves are damaged.
2. Minimal Invasive Surgery – A newer technique where a small probe is inserted into the bone to destroy cancer cells using heat and vibrations, minimizing tissue damage and reducing recovery time. This method is only used for early-stage cancers.
3. Radiation Therapy – High-energy radiation is used to destroy cancer cells that cannot be fully removed by surgery, also preventing recurrence. This method is often used for elderly patients or those with pre-existing conditions that make surgery risky.
4. Chemotherapy – This treatment uses one or multiple drugs to kill cancer cells or stop their growth, often administered after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells.
Although bone cancer is rare, it progresses quickly and can severely affect the lives of loved ones. Recognizing symptoms such as severe night-time bone pain or abnormal lumps is crucial, and seeking early medical attention can prevent cancer from spreading to other organs, leading to better outcomes and a higher quality of life.
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References:
· Ramathibodi Hospital
· Mayo Clinic
· Paolo Hospital
· Medthai
