Bone cancer, Symptoms, Treatment | Nuffiedld Treatment

If undetected, the cancer can spread beyond the bones and move to other parts of the body. Bone cancer is rare, with only 600 cases diagnosed in the UK every year.

There are many different types of bone cancer, all of which are extremely rare, but the four most common are:

Osteosarcoma: the most common type of bone cancer. It usually develops in teenagers and young adults in the larger bones such as the thigh bone (femur) or the shin bone (tibia)
Ewing’s sarcoma: most common in teenagers, although it can also develop in adults, and usually develops in the pelvis, thigh bone or shin bone
Chondrosarcoma: usually develops in adults aged between 30 and 60, and mostly affects the pelvis, thigh bone, upper arm bone, shoulder blade and ribs
Spindle cell sarcoma: similar to osteosarcoma in terms of its symptoms and treatment, but it affects older adults aged 40 or over

Symptoms of bone cancer

The main symptom of bone cancer is persistent bone pain. This usually begins with tenderness in the affected bone, which progresses to a constant ache that often gets worse at night or when the bone is in use.

Less common symptoms of bone cancer include:

A high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above
Unexplained weight loss
Sweating; usually at night
Swelling and redness around the affected bone
A noticeable lump on or around the affected bone

Bone pain that persists for more than three days is unlikely to be the result of growing pains, and while it is also unlikely to be bone cancer, it is important that the symptom is investigated.

How is bone cancer diagnosed?

Your consultant or oncologist will advise you on which tests are relevant to your individual symptoms. Because bone cancer is so rare, it can be difficult to diagnose. The tests for this cancer usually include:

A physical examination of the affected area
Blood test
MRI scan
X-ray
CT scan
Bone density scan
Core needle biopsy
Open biopsy

Treatment for bone cancer

Patients with bone cancer are treated by an experienced multidisciplinary team. This team works together to create a treatment plan to suit the individual needs of the patient. The treatment protocol for bone cancer varies a great deal depending on the stage of the disease.

Treatment options include:

Surgery
Radiotherapy
Chemotherapy

Related tests and scans

Bone density scanning (DXA)

A DXA scan can help to diagnose osteoporosis or identify if you are at risk of developing it in the future. It can also be used to detect other bone disorders and conditions, such as osteopenia, brittle bone disease, and osteomalacia.

CT scan (or CAT scan)

A CT scan is used to produce internal cross-sectional images of the body. The images aid the detection of disease and injury, allowing effective treatment planning.

Excisional biopsy

An excisional biopsy may be done if a needle biopsy can not be used, or if a needle biopsy does not give a definite result.

Fine needle biopsy

A biopsy is a procedure to remove and examine a sample of tissue from a lump or suspicious area of the body.

MRI scan

An MRI is a type of scan that creates detailed images of the inside of your body. Your doctor or healthcare professional has recommended an MRI scan because it is the best way to make an accurate diagnosis of your condition.

X-ray

An X-ray machine produces images of the inside of the body. It is effective in assessing bones and other dense structures within the body.

Bone cancer