Bone cancer is a rare condition that only accounts for less than 1% of all cancers. Here, a tumor develops in the bone itself. It can affect any bone but is usually found in the pelvis or the long bones in the arms and legs. While most bone cancers affect adults, some types can affect children as well. As cancerous cells can spread quickly, early detection and management are essential for dealing with the disease.

Signs
While the most common symptom of bone cancer is pain, people may experience varying symptoms depending on the location of the tumor. Here are the common symptoms one may observe:

– Pain in the bones
– Persistent fatigue
– Weakened bones, which can make them susceptible to fractures
– Swelling and tenderness around the affected area

If one notices any such symptoms, they should consult a doctor, especially if the pain worsens at night and cannot be treated with pain-relieving options. One should seek medical assistance if the pain comes and goes repeatedly.

Causes
While the exact cause of bone cancer remains unknown, some studies suggest a link between hereditary factors and certain types of bone cancer. A history of radiation exposure is also believed to be a risk factor.

Types
The most common types of bone cancers are:

Osteosarcoma: Here, the cancerous cells look like early forms of bone cells that normally help produce new bone tissue. This usually develops in the arms and legs and is common among young adults and children. A rare subtype here is when cancer develops outside the bones, known as extraskeletal osteosarcoma.

Chondrosarcoma: This is the second most common type of bone cancer, and it develops in the cartilage cells. The condition usually affects the pelvis region and the long bones of the arms and legs. The type is common among middle-aged and older adults.

Ewing’s sarcoma: This type of bone cancer is common among children and young adults. It starts in the bones or the soft tissues surrounding the bones.

Treatment options
Treatment can vary depending on the type of cancer. Here are a few common options:

Surgery: The aim here is to remove cancerous tissues in the affected bone along with a small portion of the healthy tissue surrounding it. The portion is then replaced with a bone from another area of the body or a bone bank. Another option is to use a replacement made of metal or hard plastic. If the cancerous mass is difficult to remove because of its location, then the surgeon may remove part or all of the limb. However, this is usually a last resort. If the limb is amputated, an artificial limb is attached. Here, physical rehabilitation and training are part of the recovery process to help one get accustomed to the new limb.

Chemotherapy: Here, prescription treatment is administered intravenously to target cancer cells. However, this approach may work better for certain types of bone cancers than others.

Radiation therapy: This option involves the use of high-powered beams of energy like X-rays to kill cancer cells in the bone. Radiation therapy is usually administered before surgery to shrink the tumor and make it easier to remove.