Overview
Bone cancer is a condition, wherein the bone cells start dividing uncontrollably. It can occur in any bone of the body. Most commonly, the long bones of the arms and legs are affected by this condition. It is rare type of cancer. It comprises only 0.2% of all cancer cases. Non-cancerous or benign bone tumors are more common than cancerous tumors.
At HCG Manavata Cancer Center, we have a strong team of bone cancer specialists who excel at accurately diagnosing and appropriately treating various types of bone cancer.
Types of Bone Cancer
There are three types of bone cancer identified, and they are:
- Osteosarcoma: This type of bone cancer is more prevalent in children and adults. Generally, the growth of the bone is accelerated at the tip of the long bones in the arm and legs.
- Ewing’s Sarcoma: It is a common type of bone cancer. It can either start in bone or connective tissues surrounding the bone. Generally, the long bones are affected by this type of bone cancer.
- Chondrosarcoma: This type of bone cancer most commonly occurs in the shoulder, thigh, and pelvis bones. It occurs in tissues that lie in between the bones (subchondral tissues).
Symptoms of Bone Cancer
Symptoms of bone cancer are:
- Fatigue
- Swelling without any cause
- Fever
- Increased sweating during nights
- Limping
- Sudden weight loss
- Bones become brittle
- Decreased range of motion and causes difficulty in moving around
Any symptoms that last for more than 2 weeks should be given appropriate medical attention. To get in touch with some of the best bone cancer doctors in Nashik, patients can reach out to HCG Manavata Cancer Center, Nashik.
Causes of Bone Cancer
The exact reason for bone cancer is still not known. However, some factors may increase the incidence of bone cancer, such as:
- Radiation therapy for other cancers
- Chromosomal mutation
- Genetics
- Paget’s disease
Diagnosis of Bone Cancer
At HCG Manavata Cancer Center, we have some of the best orthopedic oncologists in Nashik who provide prompt diagnostic support. We use multiple diagnostic methods for accurate bone cancer diagnosis:
- X-ray: The X-ray of the bone is advised to find any cancerous growth in the bone. During this imaging test, a clear image of the bone is obtained. It allows doctors to precisely diagnose the abnormalities associated with bones.
- CT scan: CT scan is a technique used to obtain clear images of the affected bone and find out if there are any anomalies.
- Bone scan: During a bone scan, the technician injects a precise dose of the radioactive material into the veins of the patient. This radioactive material gets absorbed in the bone. It creates better quality images of the affected bone.
- PET scan: During a PET scan, radioactive glucose is injected into the veins of the patient. Cancerous cells absorb more radioactive glucose and appear as bright spots during the scan. A PET scan is one of the effective methods for cancer diagnosis.
Treatment for Bone Cancer
We, at HCG Manavata Cancer Center, provide the best bone cancer treatment in Nashik, Maharashtra. The treatment plans for bone cancer management are devised based on various factors like the stage of the disease, exact location, size, patient’s age, and their overall condition. Here bone cancers are treated with the following treatment options:
Surgery: Surgery removed the bone tissue that is affected by cancer. This procedure may or may not combined with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
- Limb salvage surgery: The doctor removes the part of the bone, which is affected by cancer. The surgeon places a piece of metal in the place of bone as an artificial implant. During this procedure, ligament, tendons, and muscles are not removed.
- Amputation: Amputation is done if the tumor in the bone has reached the nerve and blood vessels of the limb. In this condition, the limb of the person needed to be removed. After amputation, the patient may use a prosthetic limb.
Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy is one of the common treatment options recommended for bone cancer. This approach kills the cancerous cells of the bones. Radiation therapy may be given in combination with other treatment modalities for better outcomes.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses strong anti-cancer drugs to destroy cancer cells. In bone cancer patients, chemotherapy is usually administered intravenously. Chemotherapy is a crucial part of the treatment for osteosarcoma, Ewing’s Sarcoma, and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How should I cope with bone cancer?
- Get in Touch with The Right Specialist: Instead of panicking or losing hope, it is important for you find the right specialist, who can assess your condition properly and administer the appropriate treatment.
- Keep Friends and Family Close: Try to keep your close relations strong and healthy. It will help you in coping with conditions like bone cancer. They can also help you in dealing with the treatment procedures.
- Find Someone to Talk to About Your Condition: You need to find a good listener who can understand your fear and concerns and motivates you to stay positive and confident about your treatment.
2. How do reduce the risk of bone cancer?
However, there is no exact way to prevent the risk of bone cancer. However, the person previously treated or at risk of getting affected by bone cancer should consult their concern with a doctor.
3. What is the prognosis of bone cancer?
The disease prognosis varies from patient to patient, and it depends on the type of bone cancer and the extent to which the cancer has spread. For the prognosis to be good, it is important for bone cancers to be diagnosed in their early stages.
For bone cancer to be diagnosed in early stages, it is important for patients to be mindful of the symptoms and consult a physician if they find anything alarming.
4. What are the possible complications of bone cancer treatment?
Possible complications of bone cancer treatment are:
- Infection
- Heart and lung problems
- Changes in the development of sexual characters
- Infertility
- Growth and development problem (in children)
- Challenges associated with learning
5. What are the organs that are most affected by bone cancer?
The lung is the most common site to where the bone cancer spreads. Metastasis (spread) of bone cancer is seen less in other bones and soft tissues. Metastasis to lungs may cause bleeding, compression of blood vessels in the lungs, and collapse of the lungs.
