Information of Bone Cancer

Bone cancer is a cancerous tumor which can begin in any part of any bone in the body. It is important to note that not all tumors which are found in the bone are cancerous but those that are need to be dealt with quickly and aggressively before it metastasizes, that is spreads, to other parts of the body.

Although they all fall under the heading of bone cancer, there are different types of cancers which start in the bone. The first is the osteosarcoma form of cancer which starts in the osteoid tissue and usually is found in the knee and upper part of the arm. This form of bone cancer seems to strike most predominantly at children and teens. The second is the chondrosarcoma which is found in the hips, legs, pelvis and shoulders. This form of cancer tends to attack people forty and over. Medical professionals feel that their studies indicate that there are sometimes hereditary factors connected with these first two forms of this cancer. The third is the ewing sarcoma which is usually found in the backbone, pelvis, legs and arms.

Medical professionals believe that their studies seem to indicate this cancer seems to show up most frequently in those who have had some sort of radiation or chemotherapy treatment. It also seems to show up in those people who have had some sort of metal implant inserted into their body, such as a plate used to hold together a broken bone.

Often, but not always, symptoms of bone cancer show up as frequent pain and swelling. With children, people sometimes tend to attribute these to what are often referred to as growing pains and with adults, as simply part of the aging process. It is important that these symptoms not be ignored. While it may be true that they are not an indication of something serious, it may be that they are also and it is important that they be checked professionally.

Should a diagnosis of bone cancer be made, it is important that treatment be started immediately. The most common treatment is surgery. This does not always mean amputation, as many people are apt to think. The majority of bone cancers do not lead to amputation if caught early enough and dealt with. Other forms of treatment are chemotherapy, radiation and cryosurgery. This last, which is less well known than the other forms of treatment, involves the use of liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy the cancerous cells.

A person who has had bone cancer, even after it has been removed, needs to be checked often because this often comes back or leads to some other form of cancer. Early diagnosis is a good combatant and a cure of bone cancer doesn't mean that a person is free forever from this enemy. The best defensive is a good offensive.