The bones are the structural material of the skeleton that provides a rigid framework for the muscles and protects certain organs of the body. In combination with the joints and the muscles, the bones form the locomotor system.

Bone cancer is a malignant growth in bone. Bone cancer may originate in the bone itself (primary bone cancer) or, more commonly, may occur as a result of cancer spreading from elsewhere in the body (secondary, or metastatic, bone cancer).

PRIMARY BONE CANCER

Cancers that originate in the bone are rare; the type of primary bone cancer that occurs most often is osteosarcoma. Other types include chondrosarcoma and fibrosarcoma.

Cancers can also start in the bone marrow, but these are not usually considered to be bone cancers (multiple myeloma and leukaemia).

The treatment of primary bone cancer will depend on the extent to which the disease has spread. If it remains confined to bone, it may be possible to remove the cancer and fill the defect with a bone graft. In other cases, amputation may be recommended. Radiotherapy or chemotherapy, or both, may also be needed.

SECONDARY BONE CANCER

The cancers that spread most readily to form secondary bone cancer are those of the breast, lung, prostate, thyroid, and kidney. These bone metastases occur commonly in the spine, pelvis, ribs, and skull. Pain is usually the main symptom. Affected bones are abnormally fragile and may fracture easily. Bone cancer that affects the spine may cause collapse or crushing of vertebrae, damaging spinal cord and causing weakness or paralysis of one or more limbs.

Secondary bone cancers from the breast and prostate gland may respond to treatment with hormone antagonists. Other treatments that may be used include radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery.

Source: A-Z family medical encyclopedia by BMA

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