Bone Cancer

Cancer Tame

Bone Cancer

Bone Cancer There are various types of primary bone cancers depending on the type of cells of their origin. The most common primary bone cancer is osteosarcoma (osteogenic sarcoma) that arises from the osteoid tissue and usually affects long bones of the arms & the legs. The second most common primary bone cancer is chondrosarcoma that arises from the cartilage. The third most common primary bone cancer is Ewing's sarcoma that arises from the immature nerve tissue in the bones. Other primary cancers of the bone include fibrosarcoma that arises from connective tissue within the bone marrow cavity, malignant giant cell tumour that arises from the connective tissue of the bone marrow and chordoma that arises from cellular remnants of the foetal spinal cord. The exact cause of primary bone cancer is not fully understood but the researchers believe that it is caused by over-activity of the bone cells. Studies have shown that there is a much higher risk of bone cancer in those persons, who had taken radiotherapy or chemotherapy with alkylating anticancer drugs during their childhood. Pain and swelling are the most common symptoms of bone cancer. The tumours located in or near a joint may lead to stiffness and tenderness of the affected joint, whereas the tumours in the pelvic bones and lower part of the spine may affect the normal functioning of the bladder and the bowel. Bone cancer usually leads to pathological fractures of the affected bones. Procedures used in diagnosis and evaluation of the bone cancer include a blood test, X-rays, bone scan, CT scan, fluoroscopy and biopsy. Osteosarcoma Osteosarcoma (osteogenic sarcoma) is the most common and highly malignant primary bone tumour. It is more common in men as compared to women and usually occurs during the second and third decades of life. Osteosarcoma usually affects long bones such as the humerus, distal part of the femur and proximal part of the tibia & the fibula. The exact cause of osteosarcoma is not fully understood but radiation is considered as one of the major risk factors. Histopathologically, the tumour is composed of pleomorphic cells that invade and destroy the bone. Osteosarcoma is divided into three types, i.e. the parosteal osteosarcoma, multifocal osteosarcoma and the soft tissue sarcoma. Osteosarcoma presents as a painful bony swelling usually around the shoulder or the knee. If untreated, the tumour may fungate to form an ulcer. The malignant cells of osteosarcoma often produce an abnormal irregular bony structure. The expanding tumour forming a new bone in the soft tissue may appear as Codman's triangle and Sun-ray spicules in the X-ray films. Osteosarcoma may cause pathological fracture. The tumour usually metastasises to the lungs. Staging of the osteosarcoma is done as follows: In local stage of the osteosarcoma, the tumour is localised in the affected bone. In metastatic stage, the osteosarcoma spreads to other parts of the body. Procedures used in diagnosis of the osteosarcoma include X-rays, CT scan, fluoroscopy, bone scan and biopsy.

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Bone Cancer

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