BONE CANCER treatment can involve a number of different treatments. Depending on the stage of the disease, surgery can involve the removal of the whole limb. Then, bone grafts or an internal device called an endoprosthesis can be used to replace the missing bone. Sometimes, amputation is necessary because the tumor has spread to other parts of the body. In this case, rehabilitation may be required.
Depending on the stage and type of bone cancer, a multidisciplinary team may be involved in the treatment. The doctor will explain the different options available and discuss the possible side effects. The doctors in these multidisciplinary teams will also discuss the different options available to treat bone cancer. In some cases, a clinical trial may be arranged, where patients are referred to a different medical specialist for specific treatments. Ultimately, the team will be able to determine the best course of action for each patient.
After receiving the treatment, patients should undergo regular follow-up visits. Follow-up visits may be frequent during the first two years of treatment. Then, they may be every three months. These appointments will decrease in frequency as time passes. Patients should contact their doctor if any symptoms return after they’ve completed their treatment. If a patient has been diagnosed with bone cancer, it’s important to seek out medical care to ensure that they don’t require any more radiation treatments.
Before undergoing any type of treatment, the doctor will perform a detailed medical examination to diagnose the disease. A computerized tomography (CT) scan uses x-rays and a computer to produce detailed images of the body. MRI scans use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to produce images of the bones. Depending on the stage of the disease, doctors may recommend a biopsy. Patients with primary bone cancer should discuss their options with their doctors and seek support groups.
The next step in treating BONE CANCER is to perform a bone biopsy. During a bone biopsy, a sample of bone tissue is removed from the tumor and analyzed by a pathologist. The biopsy will help confirm if the tumor is malignant or benign. It’s important to note that the biopsy is often done by a radiologist, and it may be guided by the patient’s imaging studies.
Primary bone cancer is uncommon. Only a small percentage of all new cases of cancer occur in the bone. In 2018, approximately 3,450 people will develop primary bone cancer in the United States. This is a very low number compared to other types of cancer, including breast cancer, lung cancer, and glioma. And while some types of cancer are hereditary, a small percentage are acquired from a family history.
Primary bone cancer usually has no symptoms. However, some types of cancer may spread to the bones, such as breast and prostate cancer. If they do, it can cause pain, fractures, and abnormally high blood calcium levels. When the cancer has spread to a bone, it’s called bone metastasis. This is where the tumor cells have invaded other organs. Although experts aren’t sure what causes bone cancer, they know that there are other factors involved. For example, drugs and radiation are the biggest culprits. Other types may be hereditary and cannot be inherited.
