ABC Medical Center > Diseases > Bone cancer

What is bone cancer?

4 May 2021

It refers to the uncontrolled growth of abnormal bone cells, usually in the bone tissue of the pelvic area and the upper and lower limbs.

It is a type of cancer that does not occur frequently, having a higher incidence in children and young people. Although its cause is not clear, some factors can contribute to its appearance, such as:

  • Paget’s disease.
  • Li-Fraumeni syndrome.
  • Hereditary retinoblastoma.
  • Having received radiotherapy.

There are several types of bone cancer depending on the cell in which it originated:

  • Chondrosarcoma: It is born in the cartilage cells, usually appearing in the pelvis, legs, or arms, in adults and older adults.
  • Chordoma: It appears at the base of the skull and in the spine, being common in people over 30 years old.
  • Osteosarcoma: It develops in bone cells of the arms, legs, or pelvis. It is the most frequent in children and young people.
  • Sarcoma or Ewing tumor: It develops in the bones of the pelvis, ribs, shoulder blades, and long bones of the arms and legs.

Signs and symptoms Bone cancer

The characteristic symptoms consist of:

  • Bone fragility leading to fractures.
  • Aching bones.
  • Weakness.
  • Tiredness.
  • Inflammation.
  • Decreased body weight.

Diagnosis and treatment Bone cancer

To detect it, your doctor, in addition to analyzing your symptoms and medical history, will perform a physical examination and order imaging studies such as X-rays, bone scans, MRI, computed tomography, and positron emission tomography to find out the size and location of the tumor.

If deemed necessary, he or she may request a biopsy of the tumor for laboratory testing, either by surgery or by inserting a needle. Treatment and its duration will depend on the type of bone cancer and how advanced it is, as well as your age and physical condition, but it usually includes:

  • Radiotherapy.
  • Chemotherapy.
  • Surgery.
  • Targeted therapy.

Since its opening in 2009, our Cancer Center offers chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments at the level of the best medical centers in the world through a comprehensive care model for cancer patients.

Related centers and departments Bone cancer

Cancer Center
High Specialty Surgery Center
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory

Fuentes:

  • cancer.org
  • cancer.net
  • cancer.gov
  • mayoclinic.org
  • medlineplus.gov
  • medigraphic.com
  • Ruiz-Alva S, Cortes-Cerda R, Mora-Ríos F, et al. Tumores que producen metástasis óseas. Acta Ortop Mex. 2021;35(2):201-205.
  • Montiel-Ruiz RM, Acosta-González RI, Jiménez AJM. Dolor oncológico óseo: de la farmacología preclínica a los ensayos clínicos. Gac Med Mex. 2013;149(2):204-211.
  • Trujillo-Romero CJ, Rico-Martínez G, Gutiérrez-Martínez J. Thermal ablation: an alternative to bone cancer. Investigación en Discapacidad. 2018;7(1):35-46.
  • Álvarez-López A, Soto-Carrasco SR, de la Caridad García-Lorenzo Y. Metástasis óseas: enfoque ortopédico. AMC. 2019;23(1):144-154.

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