Description

Bone Tumor Bone tumors develop when cells within a bone divide uncontrollably, forming a lump or mass of abnormal tissue. Most bone tumors are benign (not cancerous). Benign tumors are usually not life-threatening and, in most cases, will not spread to other parts of the body. Depending upon the type of tumor, treatment options are wide-ranging — from simple observation to surgery to remove the tumor. Some bone tumors are malignant (cancerous). Malignant bone tumors can metastasize— or cause cancer cells to spread throughout the body. In almost all cases, treatment for malignant tumors involves a combination of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. What is bone cancer? Bone cancer is the term for several different cancers that develop in the bones. When cancer cells grow in a bone, it can harm normal bone tissue. The type of cell and tissue where cancer begins determines the type of bone cancer. Cancers that form in the bone itself are called primary bone cancers. Many tumors that begin in organs or other parts of the body can spread to the bones, as well as other body parts. Breast, prostate and lung tumors most commonly metastasize (spread) to the bones. Description Bone tumors can affect any bone in the body and develop in any part of the bone — from the surface to the center of the bone, called the bone marrow. A growing bone tumor — even a benign tumor — destroys healthy tissue and weakens bone, making it more vulnerable to fracture. When a bone tumor is cancerous, it is either a primary bone cancer or a secondary bone cancer. • A primary bone cancer actually begins in bone • A secondary bone cancer begins somewhere else in the body and then metastasizes or spreads to bone. Secondary bone cancer is also called metastatic bone disease. Types of cancer that begin elsewhere and commonly spread to bone include: • Breast • Lung • Thyroid • Renal (kidney) • Prostate Primary Bone Cancer The four most common types of primary bone cancer are: • Multiple myeloma. Multiple myeloma is the most common primary bone cancer. It is a malignant tumor of bone marrow — the soft tissue in the center of many bones that produces blood cells. Any bone can be affected by this cancer. Most cases are seen in patients between the ages of 50 and 70. Multiple myeloma is typically treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy and, occasionally, surgery. • Osteosarcoma. Osteosarcoma is the second most common primary bone cancer. It occurs in two to five people per million each year, with most cases in teenagers and children. Most tumors develop around the knee in either the femur (thighbone) or tibia (shinbone). Other common locations include the hip and shoulder. Osteosarcoma is typically treated with chemotherapy and surgery. • Ewing's sarcoma. Ewing's sarcoma usually occurs in patients between the ages of 5 and 20. The most common locations affected are the upper and lower leg, pelvis, upper arm, and ribs. Ewing's sarcoma is typically treated with chemotherapy and either surgery or radiation therapy. • Chondrosarcoma. Chondrosarcoma is a malignant tumor composed of cartilage-producing cells. It is most often seen in patients between the ages of 40 and 70. Most cases occur around the hip, pelvis, or shoulder area. In most cases, surgery is the only treatment used for chondrosarcoma. Benign Bone Tumors There are many types of benign bone tumors, as well as some diseases and conditions that resemble bone tumors. Some common types of benign bone tumors — and conditions that are commonly grouped with tumors — include: • Nonossifying fibroma • Unicameral (simple) bone cyst • Osteochondroma • Giant cell tumor • Enchondroma • Fibrous dysplasia • Chondroblastoma • Aneurysmal bone cyst • Osteoid osteoma Symptoms Signs and symptoms of bone cancer include: • Bone pain. • Swelling and tenderness near the affected area. • Weakened bone, which can lead to a broken bone. • Feeling very tired. • Losing weight without trying. Patients with a bone tumor will often experience pain in the area of the tumor. This pain is generally described as dull and aching. It may worsen at night and increase with activity. Other symptoms of a bone tumor can include fever and night sweats. Many patients will not have any symptoms, but will note a painless mass instead. Although bone tumors are not caused by trauma, an injury can sometimes cause a tumor to start hurting. Injury can also cause a bone that is weakened by a tumor to fracture, or break. This may be severely painful. Occasionally, benign tumors may be discovered incidentally when an X-ray is taken for another reason, such as a sprained ankle or knee injury.

Key Specification Bone Tumor

Bone Cancer

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