Bone Cancer - Symptoms and Causes

Bone Cancer - Symptoms and Causes

Bone cancer can begin in any bone in the body.

But it most commonly affects the pelvis or the long bones in the arms and legs.

Bone cancer is rare. In fact, noncancerous bone tumors are much more common than cancerous ones.

The term "bone cancer" doesn't include cancers that begin elsewhere in the body and spread (metastasize) to the bone. Instead, those cancers are named for where they began. Some types of bone cancer occur primarily in children, while others affect mostly adults.

A number of studies have been conducted to determine the size and location of bone tumors, as well as to diagnose whether the disease has spread in the body; For example, a bone scan, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, or X-ray may be needed. Your doctor may need a biopsy for a lab test.

Surgical removal is the most common treatment, but chemotherapy and radiation therapy also may be utilized.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of bone cancer include:

  • Bone pain
  • Swelling and tenderness near the affected area
  • Weakened bone, leading to fracture
  • Fatigue
  • Unintended weight loss

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with your doctor if you or your child develops bone pain that: Comes and goes; Becomes worse at night; Isn't helped by over-the-counter pain relievers. 

Types of bone cancer

  • Osteosarcoma
  • Chondrosarcoma
  • Ewing sarcoma

Causes

The cause of most bone cancers is unknown. However, according to scientists, several risk factors increase the risk of developing the disease; Risk factors include: hereditary genetic syndrome, bone marrow disease, radiation.

 

Source:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bone-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20350217