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Bone Cancer

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Bone Cancer

A Rare but Serious Cancer Affecting the Skeleton

What is Bone Cancer?

Bone cancer refers to abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in the bones, leading to the formation of a tumor. It may originate in the bone itself (primary bone cancer) or spread to the bones from other cancers (called secondary or metastatic bone cancer).

Primary bone cancer is rare, but it can be aggressive. It usually affects the long bones such as the arms and legs, or the pelvis and spine.

Types of Bone Cancer

Primary Bone Cancers (Originate in the bone itself)

  1. Osteosarcoma
    • Most common in children, teenagers, and young adults
    • Begins in the cells that form new bone
    • Often affects the knee, thigh bone (femur), or upper arm
  2. Ewing Sarcoma
    • Affects children and young adults
    • Common in pelvis, thigh bone, or ribs
  3. Chondrosarcoma
    • Develops in cartilage cells
    • Seen in adults, typically in hips, shoulders, or pelvis
  4. Chordoma
    • Rare cancer of the spine and base of the skull
    • Slow-growing but difficult to treat due to location

Secondary (Metastatic) Bone Cancer

  • Spread from another site like breast, lung, prostate, or kidney
  • More common than primary bone cancer
  • Needs treatment of the original cancer site

Symptoms of Bone Cancer

Bone cancer symptoms can vary depending on the tumour’s location and size, but the most common signs include:

  • Persistent bone pain (worsens at night or with activity)
  • Swelling or lump over a bone or joint
  • Fractures from minor injuries (pathologic fracture)
  • Fatigue
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Restricted movement or stiffness
  • Numbness or tingling (if spinal cord is affected)
  • Fever or anaemia (in Ewing sarcoma)

In children, limping or refusal to walk should be investigated if persistent.

 Stages of Bone Cancer

  1. Stage I– Low-grade tumour, limited to the bone
  2. Stage II– High-grade tumour, still confined to the bone
  3. Stage III– High-grade tumour in multiple areas of the same bone
  4. Stage IV– Cancer has spread to other organs (lungs, liver, etc.)

Causes and Risk Factors

  • Genetic syndromes(e.g., Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Rothmund-Thomson syndrome)
  • Previous radiation therapy
  • Paget’s disease of bone
  • Bone marrow transplant recipients
  • Injury or trauma to bones(may draw attention to an existing tumor)

Most cases are sporadic with no known cause.

Diagnosis of Bone Cancer

  1. X-Ray
    • First test to spot bone abnormalities
  2. MRI or CT Scan
    • Detailed imaging to assess size, shape, and extent of tumour
  3. Bone Scan
    • Detects small or multiple bone tumours
  4. PET-CT
    • Checks for spread to other organs
  5. Biopsy
    • Core needle or surgical biopsy confirms cancer type and grade
  6. Blood Tests
    • May show raised alkaline phosphatase (ALP) or LDH

Treatment Options at Onco-Life Cancer Centre

Our expert oncology team creates a multimodal treatment plan based on the type, location, and stage of bone cancer.

  1. Surgery
    • Limb-sparing surgery – Removes tumour without amputating limb
    • Amputation – In select cases where limb cannot be saved
    • Reconstruction with bone grafts or prosthetics after removal
  2. Chemotherapy Therapy
    • Particularly effective for osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma
    • Usually given before and after surgery
  3. Radiation Therapy
    • Mainly used for Ewing sarcoma, spinal tumours, or if surgery isn’t possible
    • Advanced techniques like Tomotherapy ensure precision and fewer side effects
  4. Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy
    • Used in select subtypes or advanced cancers
    • Under clinical trials in some cases
  5. Rehabilitation & Support
    • Physiotherapy after surgery
    • Counselling and support for emotional well-being
    • Custom prosthetics for amputees

Prognosis & Survival

  • Osteosarcoma: 60–80% survival for localized tumours
  • Ewing Sarcoma: 70–75% survival if diagnosed early
  • Chondrosarcoma: Depends on grade; low-grade types have better prognosis
  • Advanced/metastatic disease may need long-term treatment and monitoring

Most Popular Questions

Bone Cancer

1. Is bone cancer common?

Primary bone cancer is rare but serious. Secondary bone cancer (from spread) is more common.

2. Is bone cancer curable?

Yes, especially if detected early and treated promptly. Survival depends on type and stage.

3. What are the early signs of bone cancer?

Persistent pain, swelling, or a lump over a bone/joint. Pain worsening at night is a warning sign.

4. Can bone cancer be mistaken for growing pain or arthritis?

Yes. That’s why unexplained or persistent symptoms in children or adults should be evaluated.

5. What is the most common type of bone cancer in children?

Osteosarcoma, followed by Ewing sarcoma.

6. How is bone cancer diagnosed?

X-ray, MRI, biopsy, and other imaging tests confirm the type and extent.

7. Does bone cancer spread?

Yes, especially to lungs, other bones, or liver in advanced stages.

8. Will I lose my limb?

Limb-sparing surgery is possible in most cases today. Amputation is only done if absolutely necessary.

9. How long is chemotherapy for bone cancer?

Usually 3–6 months. May vary based on response and patient profile.

10. What is limb-sparing surgery?

A surgery that removes the tumor while saving the affected limb, followed by reconstruction.

11. Is bone cancer painful?

Yes, it causes constant pain that worsens with movement or at night.

12. Can bone cancer occur in adults?

Yes. Chondrosarcoma and secondary bone cancer are more common in adults.

13. Are there any lifestyle causes of bone cancer?

Not directly, but previous radiation, smoking, or genetic factors may increase risk.

14. Can bone cancer be prevented?

There’s no definite prevention, but early detection improves outcomes.

15. Can bone cancer return after treatment?

Yes, especially within the first 5 years. Regular follow-up is essential.

16. Will I need physical therapy?

Yes. Physiotherapy is crucial after surgery or limb reconstruction.

17. Is radiation always used?

No. It’s used mainly in Ewing sarcoma or when surgery isn’t possible.

18. What’s the role of Tomotherapy?

Tomotherapy delivers highly targeted radiation with minimal damage to nearby tissues.

19. Can bone cancer cause fractures?

Yes. Weakening of bone may lead to fractures from minimal injury.

20. What support is available post-surgery?

We offer prosthetic fittings, physiotherapy, pain management, and counselling for holistic recovery.