It’s important to get a bone cancer support group. These are a great resource for patients and their families. The Macmillan Support Line is available on 0808 808 0000 to talk to someone about your specific cancer. You can also find forums online with other bone cancer patients to get support. There are a number of signs of bone cancer that you should look out for, including new scars and changes in how you move.
Early detection is key for a successful outcome. Bone cancer screening includes a complete medical history and physical exam. Your doctor will focus on any abnormalities or mass in your bone and the way they are affecting your range of motion and joint mobility. Sometimes, the cancer may spread to other parts of your body. If you have a bone tumor, you’ll need to see a specialist in several areas. If your doctor suspects it’s cancerous, he or she will use imaging studies to determine what treatment options will work best for you.
Primary bone cancer begins in bone cells. It can occur in any bone but most commonly affects long bones in the arms, legs, and pelvis. Primary bone cancer is rare among adults older than 40, but is more common in children, adolescents, and young adults. A tumor in these areas of the body is a sign of a more serious condition. When it spreads, it may spread to other parts of the body, including the lungs and bones.
If you suspect that you have bone cancer, you should see a doctor immediately. The biopsy will show the grade of your cancer and how far it has spread. The higher the grade, the more atypical the cells are and the faster they will spread. Stage 4 is the most severe form of primary bone cancer, affecting multiple organs. A bone cancer support group can provide you with information on how to treat this disease and make it more manageable.
The treatment of bone cancer varies according to the type and location of your tumor. Your doctors will work with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers, including orthopedic surgeons and cancer specialists, to determine the best course of treatment. Often, doctors combine several types of treatments to cure your cancer while preserving your health and ability to perform daily activities. You may even have to undergo surgery, particularly if you have a tumor in your spinal cord.
The type of bone cancer that can arise in the soft tissue surrounding your bones is known as a chordoma. These tumors usually begin in the thighbone and are found in older adults. If left untreated, chordomas tend to return in the same area. Occasionally, however, they can spread to lymph nodes and the liver. The five-year survival rate for patients with this type of cancer is only 82 percent.
