Bone Cancer

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Overview

Bone cancer can arise in any bone in the body. They constitute around 1% of all cancers. The most common bones affected are the long bones of both limbs and pelvis (Hip bones).

Bone cancers can be divided into

1. Primary bone cancers, which occur mainly in bone.

2. Cancers metastasizing to bone.

Most of the primary bone cancer occurs in children and young adults. Few types of primary bone tumors and majority of metastasis occur in advanced age.

Most common types of primary bone cancer are

Osteosarcoma

Ewings sarcoma

Chondrosarcoma

Multiple myeloma

Metastasis

Symptoms

Bone pain

Swelling / tenderness of affected bone

Weakening of bone leading to fracture

Fatigue

Weight loss

Difficulty in breathing

Types of bone tumor

Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone tumor affecting the age group between 10-20 years.  It commonly affects the long bones around the knees, upper end of arm bone, pelvis etc. Secondary  Osteosarcomas arising from previous bone diseases like chronic osteomyelitis, Paget’s disease occur at older age.

Ewings sarcoma

This is an aggressive type of bone tumour which predominantly affects children in 5-15 years age group. This most commonly affects hip bone, long bones of limbs etc.

Chondrosarcoma

Usually affects older individuals.  Can occur denovo or following pre existent osteochondromas .   Can be associated with familial  condition like multiple exostosis  (Ollier’s disease) 

Investigation

  1. X-ray of affected bone
  2. MRI of the affected part
  3. CT Scan of the bone
  4. Biopsy 
  5. CT Scan of the chest
  6. Bone scan /PET CT Scan

Biopsy is the one of the most important part of treatment of bone cancer. X-ray /MRI/CT Scan will guide us in doing biopsy.  An improperly performed biopsy or infection at biopsy site can jeopardize the opportunity of limb salvage in bone cancers of limbs.

Once diagnosis is made treatment can be initiated. The intent of treatment is cure and also to achieve limb salvage in extremity primary bone sarcomas.Usually the treatment of these cancers is multimodal and is decided in joint consultation of all specialists in tumor board.

Osteosarcomas and Ewings sarcomas respond well to chemotherapy.So these patients are treated initially with 3-4 cycles of appropriate chemo therapy and then considered for local therapy (surgery or radiotherapy) followed by 2-3 cycles chemotherapy in Osteosarcomas and 13-14 cycles of chemotherapy in Ewings sarcomas.

Chondro sarcomas usually does not repond to chemotherapy / radio therapy (except Mesenchymal Chrondrosarcoma)  Surgery is the main form treatment.

Surgery for bone sarcomas involves resection of the tumour affected bone with surrounding tissue margins and  reconstruction of the defect as appropriate so as to achieve good function. In limb sarcomas, the main aim of surgery is to avoid amputation (removal of limbs) and to preserve the native limb (limb salvage surgery)

Metastatic cancers:

In metastatic cancers or cancers which has spread to bones are treated with treatment of the primary cancer along with treatment of bone with radiation or surgery to prevent /stabilize fractures 

Bone Cancer Treatment in Chennai at ICCG India

ICCG India, a leading Chennai cancer center, provides world-class bone cancer treatment with a focus on compassion and patient care. Our skilled medical team uses the latest technologies and protocols to ensure the best possible outcomes

For further information regarding cancer treatment
Reach our specialist at I CARE CANCER CLINIC or Contact +91 8939 8939 95.
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