Bone Cancer Information
Bone cancer is caused by tumors that destroy the tissue within your bones. Benign tumors are more common than a malignancy. Benign tumors have a tendency to grow, and can squeeze healthy bone tissue. Benign tumors also don't spread to other areas of your body. Bone cancer is relatively rare. According to the American Cancer Society, about 2,570 Americans a year are diagnosed with the disease and about 1,470 will die. Bone cancer is more likely to afflict children than adults.
Primary Vs. Metastatic
Primary bone cancer is cancer that develops within the bone. Metastatic cancer is cancer that develops elsewhere, such as the breast or prostate, but then spreads to your bones or joints. According to the Mayo Clinic, even if you have cancer that has metastasized to your bones, the cancer will still be referred to the site of origination, such as prostate cancer or breast cancer. You are more likely to get metastatic bone cancer than bone cancer itself.
Bone Cancer Causes
The development of primary bone disease may be due to hereditary. Children with inherited conditions such as multiple exostoses have a higher risk of developing bone cancer. Multiple exostoses are the formations of cartilage bumps on the exterior parts of the bone. High doses of radiation or the treatment of anti-cancer drugs can also lead to primary bone cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, children are "more susceptible" to the development of primary bone cancer when receiving high doses of radiation therapy or anti-cancer medications.
Symptoms
The most noticeable symptoms associated with bone cancer is pain within your bones. According to the Mayo Clinic, though bone cancer may develop in other parts of your body, it is more common in your longer bones, such as in the arms and legs. Other symptoms of bone cancer may include joint swelling and inflammation, extreme fatigue, drastic weight loss, anemia and fever.
Complications
Bone cancer can drastically weaken your bones, making you more susceptible to fractures. If the cancer spreads to your organs, this can cause organ dysfunction. For example, if the cancer spreads to your lungs you will develop lung complications. You may not be able to breathe, or it may feel as if you're exerting yourself when you haven't done any physical activity. Pain may become so severe that you will be inhibited from continuing normal activities. Infections like osteomyelitis are common. Osteomyelitis is a bone infection that causes fever, chills and pain.
Treatments
According to the Mayo Clinic, "surgery is the most common" bone cancer treatment. If the bone cancer hasn't metastasized, the affected bone and part of the healthy bone surrounding the affected bone will be removed. An artificial device (prosthetic) or bone transplant from a donor will then be replaced for the bone that was removed. Radiation or chemotherapy may be necessary prior to surgery or after surgery to eradicate any signs of cancerous cells. In some instances the only form of treatment necessary may be chemotherapy if the cancer is not severe.
Support
The diagnosis of any form of cancer is emotionally and physically draining. It is important to surround yourself with friends and family to help you through your difficult time. A strong coping mechanism can help you from feeling discouraged. The National Cancer Institute and American Cancer Society can provide additional services for support. Daily Strength is a support group that can get you in touch with bone cancer survivors who can help answer questions and offer you assistance.
Tags: bone cancer, your bones, bone cancer, According Mayo, According Mayo Clinic, American Cancer, American Cancer Society
