Bone cancer is a serious condition that occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably within the bone. Although rare compared to other cancers, bone cancer can be very disruptive and requires proper medical management. This article will explain the types of bone cancer, their symptoms, diagnosis, and available treatment options.

Types of Bone Cancer

1. Osteosarcoma: The most common type of bone cancer that occurs in children and teenagers. It usually originates from developing bone cells and can appear in rapidly growing parts of the body, such as the upper arms or legs.

2. Chondrosarcoma: This bone cancer originates from cartilage tissue within the bone. It typically affects older adults and often occurs in the pelvis, shoulder, or knee bones.

3. Fibrosarcoma: A rare type of bone cancer that originates from cartilage or fibrous tissue within the bone. Fibrosarcoma can affect adults of any age.

4. Ewing Sarcoma: This bone cancer primarily affects children and young teenagers. It usually occurs in the pelvic bones, thigh bones, or ribs.

Symptoms of Bone Cancer

Symptoms of bone cancer can vary depending on the location and type of cancer. Some common symptoms that may occur include:

• Persistent bone pain that does not improve with rest.
• Swelling or lumps in the affected area.
• Weakness or numbness in the affected area.
• Fractures occurring without obvious cause.
• Unintentional weight loss.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing bone cancer involves a series of tests and procedures performed by a specialist doctor. These tests may include:

• Physical examination: Doctors will conduct a physical examination to evaluate symptoms and look for suspicious signs.
• Medical imaging: Imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI, or PET scans can help doctors get a clearer picture of the bones and surrounding tissues.
• Biopsy: Bone biopsy involves taking a sample of suspicious bone tissue to analyze in the laboratory to determine the presence of cancer cells.

Treatment

Treatment options for bone cancer will depend on various factors, including the type of cancer, its location, how far it has spread, and the overall health condition of the patient. Some treatment options may include:

• Surgery: Surgery is often part of the treatment to remove bone tumors.
• Chemotherapy: The use of cancer drugs to kill cancer cells.
• Radiation therapy: The use of high-energy X-rays or other particles to damage cancer cells.
• Targeted therapy: The use of drugs designed to target specific cancer cells.

Bone cancer is a serious condition that requires proper medical treatment. It is important to consult with an orthopedic specialist doctor at Hermina Podomoro Hospital if you experience suspicious or concerning symptoms related to your bones. With early diagnosis and proper treatment, the prognosis for bone cancer can significantly improve.

Reference:

National Cancer Institute. (2019). Bone Cancer. Diakses dari https://www.cancer.gov/types/bone 

American Cancer Society. (2021). Bone Cancer. Diakses dari https://www.cancer.org/cancer/bone-cancer.html