Bone cancer or bone sarcoma is caused by an abnormal and uncontrollable growth of the bone cells and cartilage. Bone cancer can develop in any bone in the body. The type of cell and tissue the bone cancer originates from determines the type of bone cancer it is. Secondary or metastatic bone cancer originates from another part of your body but is spread to the bone. The condition affects people of all ages.
Bone cancers are rare. While they can develop at any age, bone cancers are more common in children, teenagers and young adults.
The usual types of bone cancer that affect both children and young adults are osteosarcomas which affect the cells that form new bone tissue. It can start in any bone of your body but tends to begin at the ends of large bones such as the arms or legs.
Ewing sarcoma is rare for adults, but can be common in children and young adults with growing bones. These tumors tend to form in the bones and surrounding soft tissues of the hips, ribs and shoulder blades, or on long bones such as the legs. The condition has a high cure rate.
Some people may not present with any symptoms at all until much later when the cancer has progressed. The main symptoms are extreme with persistent pain in bones or joints which does not improve even with pain relief medicines.
Physical Examination
Physical examination will be done to check for any swelling or lumps and movement on the affected arm, leg or joint.
Imaging Tests
Your doctor may order imaging scans such as X-ray, CT scan, and MRI to assess your condition. The bone scan is an outpatient procedure in the nuclear medicine department of a hospital. A small amount of radioactive dye will be injected into the veins and travels to the affected areas.
Laboratory Tests
A complete blood count will be done to evaluate your red and white blood cells and platelets. It is also used during treatment for bone cancer. During a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, the doctor removes tissues or cells from the bone marrow so they can be tested in a lab. This test is used to see if cancer has spread to the bone marrow.
