Bone cancer is a rare form of cancer that develops in the bones, and can affect the entire skeletal system. It can spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, liver, or brain. Bone cancer can occur at any age and affects men and women equally.

This article will discuss the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of bone cancer.

Causes of Bone Cancer

The exact cause of bone cancer is not known. However, certain factors increase the risk of developing bone cancer:.

Family history of bone cancer
Exposure to radiation therapy
History of Paget’s disease
Presence of a bone marrow transplant
Growth hormone therapy

Types of Bone Cancer

There are three main types of bone cancer:.

Osteosarcoma: This is the most common form of bone cancer and is usually found in children and young adults
Chondrosarcoma: This is a rare form of bone cancer that usually affects adults over the age of 40
Ewing sarcoma: This is a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer that usually affects children and young adults under the age of 20

Symptoms of Bone Cancer

Early detection of bone cancer is important for successful treatment. The symptoms of bone cancer may include:.

Pain in the affected bone
Swelling in the affected area
Tenderness in the affected area
Fractures in the affected bone
Fatigue

Diagnosis of Bone Cancer

When a patient presents with the symptoms of bone cancer, the doctor may recommend imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans. Biopsy is the only definitive way to diagnose bone cancer.

In a biopsy, a small piece of bone tissue is removed for examination under a microscope to determine if cancer cells are present.

Treatment of Bone Cancer

The treatment for bone cancer depends on a variety of factors, including the type and stage of cancer, the location of the cancer, and the patient’s health. The following are some common treatments for bone cancer:.

Surgery: Surgery may involve the removal of the cancerous bone or limb amputation if the cancer has spread to surrounding tissue.
Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells.
Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells.

Prevention of Bone Cancer

There is no guaranteed way to prevent bone cancer. However, here are some precautions that might help reduce your risk:.

Eat a healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamin D.
Avoid smoking or using tobacco products.
Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
Exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight.
Be aware of any family history of bone cancer and discuss it with your doctor.

Conclusion

Bone cancer is a rare form of cancer that can affect anyone. Early detection is important for successful treatment. The causes of bone cancer are not well understood, but certain factors increase the risk of developing bone cancer.

There are different types of bone cancer, and treatment options depend on the type and stage of cancer. There is no guaranteed way to prevent bone cancer, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk.