Bone cancer is a rare but severe type of cancer that starts in the bones. It can occur in any bone in the body but is most commonly found in the long bones of the arms and legs. While bone cancer can affect people of all ages, it is more frequently diagnosed in children and young adults.
Bone cancer is a rare but severe condition that affects the bones and the framework of our body. It can be a challenging diagnosis, but with advancements in medical research, understanding, and treatment, there is hope for those affected.
What is bone cancer?
Bone cancer refers to several types of cancer that develop within the bones. When cancer cells grow in a bone, they can harm the normal bone tissue. The type of bone cancer is determined by the specific cell and tissue where the cancer begins.
Cancers that originate within the bone are called primary bone cancers. Secondary or metastatic bone cancers refer to tumors originating in other organs or parts of the body and spreading to the bones and other regions. Breast, prostate, and lung cancers are the most common types that metastasize (spread) to the bones.
Where Does Bone Cancer Usually Start?
Bone cancer can develop in any bone throughout the body, but it often originates in the long bones of the arms and legs. Following are the types of primary bone cancer
Osteosarcoma: Typically starts in the bone cells of the arms, legs, or pelvis and is most common in children and young adults.
Ewing Sarcoma: It starts in the bones or the surrounding soft tissues like cartilage or nerves, and it primarily affects teenagers and young adults.
Chondrosarcoma: It begins in the cartilage cells and usually affects adults.
Symptoms:
Symptoms of bone cancer include:
· Persistent bone pain.
· Swelling and soreness
· Increased vulnerability to fractures due to weakened bones.
· Persistent fatigue.
· Unintentional weight loss.
Causes of Bone Cancer
Most bone cancers develop without a clear cause. They begin when cells in or near a bone change their DNA. DNA acts like a set of instructions for cells, guiding them to grow, multiply, and eventually die in a controlled manner. In healthy cells, these instructions work correctly. However, in cancer cells, these instructions become altered. The changes in DNA cause cancer cells to grow and multiply uncontrollably, forming a mass called a tumour.
Cancer cells can evade this process, unlike healthy cells with a natural lifespan, allowing them to persist and accumulate. Over time, these cancer cells can invade nearby healthy tissues and, in some cases, break away to spread to other body parts. This spread of cancer to distant organs or tissues is known as metastasis.
Diagnostic Tests for Bone Cancer
If bone cancer is suspected, diagnostic tests are performed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the cancer's stage:
Imaging Tests:
· X-rays can reveal abnormalities in the bone.
· MRI: Provides detailed images of bone and surrounding tissues.
· CT scan: Offers cross-sectional pictures of the body.
· Bone Scan: Highlight areas of high bone activity that can indicate cancer.
PET scan: Detects cancerous cells throughout the body.
Biopsy:
· Needle Biopsy: A sample of tissue is taken with a needle.
· Surgical Biopsy: A small incision is made to extract a tissue sample for examination during a surgical biopsy.
Blood Tests: While not definitive for bone cancer, they can help rule out other conditions and assess overall health.
Treatment for Bone Cancer
Treatment for bone tumors depends on whether they are benign (non-cancerous) or cancerous and on their potential to spread.
Benign Tumors: If you have a benign bone tumour, your doctor may monitor it over time to see if it changes. Sometimes, they recommend medications or consider removing the cancer if there's a risk it could grow or cause problems.
Cancerous Tumors: For cancerous bone tumours, more intensive treatment is needed, usually involving a team of specialists. The treatment plan depends on factors like how far the cancer has spread, known as its stage.
Localized Cancer: If the cancer is confined to the bone and nearby tissues, it's at a localized stage. Treatments may include surgery to remove the tumour while preserving as much surrounding bone and tissue as possible. This can involve techniques like limb salvage surgery, where the cancerous part of the bone is removed and replaced with a metal implant, preserving the limb.
Advanced Cancer: If the cancer has spread beyond the bone, more aggressive treatments like amputation may be necessary to remove the affected limb. Afterward, patients may receive a prosthetic limb to help regain mobility.
Common Treatments:
Radiation Therapy: This treatment employs high-energy X-rays to eliminate Cancer Cells and Reduce Tumors. It is frequently combined with surgery to ensure thorough eradication of all cancerous cells.
Chemotherapy: These medications are designed to target and destroy cancer cells throughout the entire body. They may be administered prior to surgery to reduce the size of the tumor, after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells, or for cancers that have metastasized to other parts of the body.
Targeted Therapy: This treatment targets specific genetic or protein changes in cancer cells, helping to stop their growth and spread more effectively than traditional chemotherapy.
Conclusion
Bone cancer is a challenging diagnosis, but advancements in medical research and treatment offer hope for effective management and recovery. Early detection through awareness of symptoms and risk factors is crucial. With the proper treatment, support, and lifestyle adjustments, many patients can manage the disease and maintain a good quality of life.
