Bone Cancer

Bones form the core structure of our body. In total, there are 200 bones in a human body that support us and provide protection to our body organs. Though bone cancer is not as common as most other types of cancer, it is quite dangerous like most cancers.

Types of bone cancer

There are mainly 2 categories in which we can classify bone cancer – primary bone cancer and secondary bone cancer. When the bone cancer originates in the bone itself, it is categorised as primary bone cancer and when it spreads from a cancer elsewhere in the body it is known as secondary bone cancer. Though there are quite a few different kinds of bone cancer, the most common one is Osteosarcoma. This type of bone cancer occurs primarily in younger adults and affects knee joints the most.

Cause and symptoms of bone cancer

The exact causes of bone cancer still seem to be a matter of research and study. The symptoms of bone cancer are linked to the position of the cancer-affected bone in the body. One of the symptoms of bone cancer is incidence of swelling or tenderness or pain in the area affected by bone cancer. The formation of a lump is another indication of bone cancer. Though the detection of a bone cancer related lump is a bit difficult in the initial stages of bone cancer, the lump can sometimes be felt (due to the restriction in movement that it causes) when the bone cancer occurs at joints (e.g. knee joints). However, none of these symptoms are prominent indicators of bone cancer.

Diagnosis of bone cancer

If you experience a lump or any of the bone cancer symptoms, you must not neglect them and seek advice of a qualified doctor. Remember that early diagnosis of any type of cancer (not just bone cancer) can help in getting a cure and reducing the threat to life.

Treatment of bone cancer

Removal of bone tumour through surgical procedures is one the most common ways of treating bone cancer. Radiotherapy and chemo therapy are other ways of treating bone cancer. A combination of different techniques is sometimes used to form a more effective bone cancer treatment. The kind of treatment to be administered is dependent on the stage of bone cancer and the place of its occurrence.


By Karen Lavender and Warren


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