Bone cancer is a bone tumor that occurs as a result of the uncontrolled growth of bone cells. The tumor may originate in the bone or may have spread to the bone from cancer elsewhere.
Bone cancer is classified as an uncommon malignancy, and it can affect women and men of all ages.
It is worth noting that bone cancer can also affect children, with its incidence in children reaching 3% of all cancers. Approximately 400 children are diagnosed with bone cancer annually.
Primary bone cancer is considered the most dangerous type of bone cancer, and it is cancer that originates in the bone itself. The main type of primary cancer is called sarcoma. For those who don't know, sarcoma is cancer that affects the bones, fibrous tissue, fatty tissue, muscles, and blood vessels.
Secondary bone cancer is cancer that has spread to the bone from a cancer located in another area, unlike primary bone cancer. Primary bone cancer originates in the bones themselves.
These tumors can be either malignant or benign. Malignant bone tumors occur when a cancerous tumor develops in the bones, while benign bone tumors occur when a benign, non-cancerous tumor develops in the bones.
The most important early danger signs of bone cancer include:
We recommend consulting a specialist if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, or if you have concerns about your cervical health.
Genetic factors may play a role in some cases of bone tumors, as some people may have a predisposition to developing bone tumors due to genetic changes.
There are some environmental factors that can increase the risk of developing bone tumors, such as exposure to high levels of radiation, such as the radiation received by people receiving medical radiation therapy.
Previous bone fractures can increase the risk of developing bone tumors in the affected area.
However, it should be noted that most cases of bone tumors are random and non-hereditary, and are not related to any specific external or genetic factors.
Diagnosing bone tumors requires several diagnostic tests and procedures. Here are some common steps in diagnosing bone tumors:
One of the basics of bone tumor treatment is surgical tumor resection, where the affected part is removed. Surgical intervention for bone tumors includes removing the surrounding bone and adjacent tissue, and repairing or replacing damaged bones with bone implants or prosthetics.
Radiation therapy may be used to limit the growth of a cancerous tumor or reduce its size before surgery. It may also be used after surgery to eliminate remaining cancer cells, and to relieve pain in cases of inoperable tumors.
Chemotherapy is used to treat bone tumors to control tumor growth and eliminate cancer cells throughout the body. It is administered orally or intravenously.
Some types of bone tumors may respond to immunotherapies that enhance the immune system's ability to fight tumors. These treatments include the use of tumor-directed antibodies.
The optimal treatment plan for bone tumors is multidisciplinary and requires collaboration between surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and radiation therapists. The appropriate treatment is determined based on a comprehensive assessment of the patient's individual condition and established clinical criteria.