Primary Bone Cancer is cancer that initially starts off
inside bones. This is not to be confused with cancers that
start off in other parts of the body and then eventually end up
in the bones. Fortunately, bone cancers are usually benign
(non-cancerous) in nature. These cancers usually affect
certain bones in the body such as the ones close to the knee -
referred to as Osteosarcoma. Another type of bone cancer,
Ewing's sarcoma, affects the bones that are found in the trunk
area - such as pelvis. Chondrosarcoma another type of
cancer arises from cartilage. Another - more rare type of
cancer is know as "Malignant fibrous histiocytoma of bone" or
MFH. There is also another cancer known as
non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of bone or PLB which starts off in
the immune system (such as lymph nodes) and eventually makes
it's way into bone.
Symptoms: The common symptom of bone cancer is
swelling and tenderness in the area. Pain usually makes it
difficult to move the area affected. Fractures can occur
when the bone cancer prevents normal movement; the inactivity
weakens the bone.
Diagnosis: Your doctor will do a complete
physical and may ask for a scan (such as an x-ray) of the area.
Determining the type of cancer will require a biopsy (removal of
a small amount of suspected cancerous tissue). Analysis of
the tissue will reveal the type of cancer.
Treatment: The treatment can require
radiation, surgery or chemotherapy. The advances of
chemotherapy for Bone Cancers has made the chances from complete
recovery very good.
