Definition
A
bone cancer is an abnormal growth of cells within the
bone that may be benign or malignant (cancerous).
Causes
Race may play a role. Asians and
African-Americans have a lower risk of developing
Ewing's sarcoma than Caucasians.
Often occurs in those who have
received previous chemotherapy or radiation therapy
for other cancers.
Symptoms
Screening and Diagnostics
X-Ray
s
Bone Scan
Laboratory tests
Alkaline
phosphatase is
elevated
Treatment
-
Surgical removal of the cancer
with a wide excision
-
The use of amputation can be
avoided in a majority of patients.
-
Methotrexate
with Leucovorin
-
Doxorubucin
-
Ifosfamide
-
Etoposide
-
Vincristine
-
Cisplatin
-
Bleomycin
-
Cyclophosphamide
-
Dactinomycin
Prognosis
The outlook depends on the type of tumor. The outcome
is expected to be good for people with benign tumors,
although some types of benign tumors may eventually
become malignant.
With malignant bone tumors that have not spread, most
patients achieve a cure. Because the cure rate depends
on the type of cancer, location, size, and other
factors, the prognosis in particular situations should
be discussed with your doctor.
Complications
-
Pain
-
Function may be reduced depending on the extent of
the tumor
-
Spread of the cancer to other nearby tissues
(metastasis)
-
Side
effects of chemotherapy (if necessary) depend on the
specific chemotherapy given
