Our bones are the foundation of our body. They provide support and structure, allowing us to move and function. Unfortunately, our bones are not immune to cancer. Bone cancer originates in the bones, and the malignant cells can grow and spread rapidly to other parts of the body.
Bone cancer is a rare form of cancer, accounting for only 1% of all cancer cases. However, it is a dangerous cancer nonetheless. It primarily affects the long bones of the body, such as those in the legs and arms, but can also occur in any other bone.
In most cases, the initial symptom is mild pain in the bones, which gradually increases in intensity. It’s important to note that not all tumours in the bones are cancerous. Non-cancerous tumours are more commonly found in bone than cancerous ones.
In this article, we will provide some basic information about bone cancer.
Risk factors of Bone Cancer
It is important to be aware of the risk factors for bone cancer. Here are some that may increase the risk:
- Genetics: If anyone from your family has or had bone cancer, then it increases the chances.
- Radiation Therapy: If you have undergone radiation therapy for any reason then there is a slight chance that it may affect the tumor in the bone.
- Bone diseases: People who are suffering from bone diseases are more at risk.
Types
Bone cancer is a group of diseases that affect the bone. There are different types:
- Multiple myeloma
- Osteosarcoma (Osteogenic sarcoma)
- Chondrosarcoma
- Ewing’s sarcoma
- Multiple myeloma: – This type of cancer affects the cells in the bone marrow and can cause tumours to form there.
- Osteosarcoma: – This type of bone cancer commonly occurs in children, but it can also affect adults. The cancer usually occurs in the tips of long bones and may also develop in the hips and shoulders. It affects bone tissues
- Chondrosarcoma: Chondrosarcoma is a type of cancer that commonly affects the thigh areas, shoulder, and pelvis. It starts in cells that help bones grow. It can harm both bones and joints, and is responsible for 20% of cases.
- Ewing’s sarcoma: It starts in the soft tissues of the bones is a rare type of cancer that typically affects young adults and children. The most commonly affected areas are the arms, legs, and pelvis. This cancer causes lumps and swelling, which may only be noticeable when they have grown quite large. The cancer can reoccur within two years of treatment or many years later.
Conclusion
Our bones are what keeps our bodies upright. It’s difficult to imagine living without them, so it’s important to take good care of them.
One type of cancer that can be particularly dangerous is bone cancer. To treat cancer, early detection is key. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms and to seek medical attention as soon as possible.