Bone Cancer
What Is It?
Primary bone cancer is cancer that has started in the cells of the bones. There are several different types of primary bone cancer:- Osteosarcoma
- Chondrosarcoma
- Ewing's sarcoma
- Spindle cell sarcoma
Most people who have cancer cells in their bones actually don't have primary
bone cancer. They have cancer cells that have travelled to the bone from another
type of primary cancer. This is called secondary cancer. Nearly all cancers can
spread to the bones. Common cancers that spread to the bones include breast,
lung, prostate and kidney cancer.
The type of primary cancer you have is very important. Cancers respond to
treatment according to the type of primary cancer. So breast cancer in the bones
will respond to treatments for breast cancer.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
Pain
Swelling
Problems with movement
Pain and tenderness will be around the area of the bone tumour. The pain
is often worse at night
Treatment
Surgery and chemotherapy are the commonest treatments. You may have radiotherapy after surgery for some types of bone cancer. Your doctor will plan your treatment taking into account:
The type of bone cancer you have
How far your cancer has grown or spread (the 'stage')
Your general health
Your age and level of fitness