Bone Cancer
There are two types of bone cancer; primary
and secondary cancer. Primary bone cancer
develops in the bones and is fortunately very rare. Secondary
cancer is more common and is the result of cells becoming
detached from a cancer elsewhere in the body.
Primary Bone Cancer
Two main types of primary cancer occur in bones; cancers
of the bone marrow (myeloma, lymphoma or leaukemia - not dealt
with here) and cancer of the bones themselves, normally called
sarcomas. There are a number of different types of malignant
bone tumours - Osteosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, Chondrosarcoma
and Spindle cell sarcoma.
How can bone cancer be diagnosed?
The cancer can usually be seen on an Xray, but an isotope
bone scan, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan or CT (Computed
tomography) scan may also be used. Blood tests will indicate
the level of calcium or any problems with bone marrow.
How is it treated?
Primary bone cancer can be treated by an appropriate combination
of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery depending on the
type of tumour.
Secondary Bone Cancer
The cells travel in the blood or lymph and become lodged
in the bone, most frequently in the central part of the skeleton
such as the spine, pelvis or hip. Almost any cancer can spread
to bone but the most common are lung, breast or prostate cancer.
When cancer cells spread like this to another part of the
body it is called metastasis.
What are the symptoms?
The most important symptom is pain - a dull ache in
the bones which gets worse at night. In addition there may
be raised calcium levels which cause tiredness, nausea and
confusion. If the cancer causes localised bone destruction,
broken bones (fractures) can occur. If the cancer affects
the bone marrow, the production of new blood cells may be
affected causing anaemia.
How can bone cancer be diagnosed?
The cancer can usually be seen on an Xray, but a bone scan,
MRI scan or CT scan may also be used. Blood tests will indicate
the level of calcium or any problems with bone marrow.
How is it treated?
The treatment of secondary bone cancer partly depends on
the site of the primary cancer, if this is not already known
tests will be carried out to identify it.
Treatment will be an appropriate combination of hormone therapy,
chemotherapy an/or radiotherapy depending on the site and
severity of the cancer. Bisphosphonates are also frequently
given, by mouth or by intravenous drip, to reduce bone pain
and to lessen the chances of high blood levels of calcium
and broken bones. Bisphosphonates work by reducing the number
and action of the osteoclasts,
thus slowing down the process of bone breakdown. Lost bone
cannot be replaced but bisphosphonates can strengthen existing
bone and reduce the damage caused by secondary bone cancer.
More information
NHS choices - cancer information
Cancer
Research UK
Cancerbackup
American
Cancer Society - bone cancer
The American Childhood Cancer Organization
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