Many cases of bone cancer are successfully treated. In these instances, cancer never returns. Sometimes people need multiple surgeries to accomplish this outcome. Other people with bone cancer might need to continue treatments including radiation therapy and chemotherapy to keep cancer from spreading.
Generally, bone cancer is much easier to cure in otherwise healthy people whose cancer hasn't spread. Overall, around 6 in every 10 people with bone cancer will live for at least 5 years from the time of their diagnosis, and many of these may be cured completely.
All types of primary bone cancer
almost 75 out of 100 people (almost 75%) survive their cancer for 1 year or more. more than 50 out of 100 people (more than 50%) survive their cancer for 5 years or more.
A growing tumor may replace healthy tissue with abnormal tissue. It may weaken the bone, causing it to break (fracture). Aggressive tumors can lead to disability or death, particularly if signs and symptoms are ignored. Most bone tumors are non-cancerous (benign).
The causes of bone tumors aren't known. A few possible causes are genetics, radiation treatment, and injuries to the bones. Osteosarcoma has been linked to radiation treatment (particularly high doses of radiation) and other anticancer drugs, especially in children. However, a direct cause hasn't been identified.
Generally, it doesn't need surgery unless the bone becomes weakened by the size of the tumor.
Overview. Bone cancer can begin in any bone in the body, but it most commonly affects the pelvis or the long bones in the arms and legs. Bone cancer is rare, making up less than 1 percent of all cancers. In fact, noncancerous bone tumors are much more common than cancerous ones.
Imaging is used not only for local staging but also to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions. MRI is the preferred imaging modality for the evaluation of soft-tissue masses in clinical practice.
Signs and symptoms of bone cancer
persistent bone pain that gets worse over time and continues into the night. swelling and redness (inflammation) over a bone, which can make movement difficult if the affected bone is near a joint. a noticeable lump over a bone. a weak bone that breaks (fractures) more easily than ...
Many benign bone tumors and lesions have a particular appearance on X-ray, so no further studies are needed to make a predictive diagnosis. Some benign tumors require a CT scan or MRI to be obtained, both to aid in the diagnosis and to plan treatment. The final step in making a definitive diagnosis is with a biopsy.
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.
Bone pain. Pain caused by bone cancer usually begins with a feeling of tenderness in the affected bone. This gradually progresses to a persistent ache or an ache that comes and goes, which continues at night and when resting.
Sometimes treatment being used to treat the main (primary) cancer will help shrink the metastases. Other times, medicines made to stop the effects of the cancer on the bone may be given (See Drugs to treat bone metastases below).
Osteochondromas are the most common, accounting for 30% to 35% of benign bone tumors. Giant cell tumors account for 20%, osteoblastomas for 14%, and osteoid osteomas for 12%. All others are less common. Diagnosis mainly is via imaging; biopsy rarely is required.
X-rays. An x-ray of the bone is often the first test done if some type of bone tumor is suspected. Tumors might look “ragged” instead of solid on an x-ray, or they might look like a hole in the bone. Sometimes doctors can see a tumor that might extend into nearby tissues (such as muscle or fat).
Pain in the area of the tumor is the most common sign of bone cancer. At first, the pain might not be there all the time. It may get worse at night or when the bone is used, such as when walking for a tumor in a leg bone. Over time, the pain can become more constant, and it might get worse with activity.
“Most benign tumors aren't life-threatening. They can be left alone as they are unlikely to cause damage to any other areas of your body. In fact, many individuals carry benign tumors that don't require treatment, such as moles, throughout their lives.”
MRI scan. An MRI scan uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed pictures of the bones and soft tissues. An MRI scan is an effective way of assessing the size and spread of any cancerous tumour in or around the bones.
Causes of Benign Tumors
Environmental toxins, such as exposure to radiation. Genetics. Diet. Stress.
Most bone tumors are benign (not cancerous), but a few are cancerous. Known as primary bone cancers, these are quite rare, accounting for less than 0.2 percent of all cancers.
Giant cell tumour of bone
GCTs are usually benign (80%). However, recurrence after excision may occur in 20–50%, with 10% becoming malignant on recurrence [10].
Sometimes benign bone tumors are caused by growth hormones that affect boys and girls while they're still growing. Often, these tumors will stop growing once the bones reach full maturity.
Cysts that appear uniform after examination by ultrasound or a computerized tomography (CT) scan are almost always benign and should simply be observed. If the cyst has solid components, it may be benign or malignant and should have further evaluation.