BONE TUMORS

Types of Benign Bone tumors

• Osteochondroma
  • most common benign bone tumor; common in people under 20y/o.
• Giant cell tumor
  • typically affects the leg
• Osteoid osteoma
  • often found in long bones: commonly those in their early 20s.
• Osteoblastoma
  • single tumor that occurs in the spine and long bones: commonly found in young adults.
• Enchondroma
  • an often asymptomatic tumor Usually found in the bones of hand and feet; most common type of hand tumor

Primary Bone Sarcoma

• Tumor that forms first in bone
• Usually of an unknown cause but heredity may be a factor
• High-dose radiation therapy or cancer drugs may increase the risk of this type of cancer

Some common types of bone cancer:

• Osteosarcoma
  • begins in bone cells; most common in the are around thee knee and upper arm.;Most common in teens and young adults.
• Ewing’s sarcoma
  • Begins in bone cells but may also arise from soft tissue; Found in those between the ages of 5 and 20; Common sites are the ribs, pelvis, leg, and upper arm
• Chondrosarcoma
  • Begins in cartilage cells; most often found in those between 40 and 70. Common sites are the hip, pelvis, leg, arm, and shoulder; begins in cartilage cells

Symptoms of Bone Tumors

May include:

• Pain in the tumor area
  • often felt as dull or achy
  • Worsens with activity
  • Often awakens people at night
• Fevers
• Night sweats
• Unusual swelling around a bone
• Limping

If you think you might have a bone tumor, see your doctor right way. Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and medical history and conduct a physical exam. You may need blood and imaging tests. To confirm a diagnosis, your doctor may remove tissue through a needle or incision and have it examined under a microscope for signs of cancer. This is called a biopsy.

DIAGNOSIS

Physician may do/request:

• History & Physical Exam
• X-ray
• Biopsy

RECOMMENDED MEDICATIONS

Common types of Bone Cancer Treatment:

• Limb salvage surgery
  • removes the part of the bone with cancer
  • A metallic implant (prosthesis) replaces the portion of bone that was removed.
• Amputation
  • may be needed for large or widespread tumors
  • A prosthetic limb can aid function after amputation.
• Radiation therapy
  • Kills cancer cells and shrinks tumors with high-dose X-ray
  • Often used in combination with surgery and may be used before or after surgery
• Systemic chemotherapy
  • Kills tumor cells that have spread through the bloodstream with cancer drugs
  • May be given before surgery, after surgery, or for metastatic disease

Participation in clinical trial, which tests new therapies may be recommended by your physician.