In this article, you will learn more about the treatment options for bone cancer and how you can choose the best option for you. In addition to treatment options, you will learn about the various types of bone cancer, including osteosarcoma. In many cases, there is no specific treatment for this type of cancer, but a variety of treatments are available. Your doctor will discuss all of the different treatments with you and decide which is best for you.
While bone cancer is uncommon, if detected early, it is treatable. Treatment options include surgery or radiation therapy. The prognosis for this disease depends on the type of bone cancer and whether it has spread. However, chemotherapy has improved survival rates for localized bone cancer, with ninety to ninety percent of patients not requiring limb amputation. In addition to cancer treatments, your doctor may suggest joining a support group to share your experiences. Talking with other people who are dealing with the same diagnosis can be extremely beneficial to your mental, emotional, and spiritual health.
Depending on the type of bone cancer, a doctor may use the grade system to determine the stage of the cancer. A higher grade indicates that the cancer is more aggressive, and has spread to other areas. A lower grade indicates that the cancer is localized, and a high grade means that it has spread to other parts of the body. If it has spread to lymph nodes or lungs, you may have cancer at stage 4.
Primary treatment for bone cancer includes surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. After a diagnosis of bone cancer, a team of healthcare providers (including orthopedic surgeons and cancer specialists) will develop an appropriate treatment plan. Surgical procedures include removing the cancerous tissue, and reconstructing the bone using various techniques. Additional chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be required for advanced cases. And if surgery is not possible, you may need to undergo a bone-directed medication, which is an effective option for cancer patients.
Although most bone cancers are benign, some are highly aggressive and cause bone fracture or destruction. Most cases of bone cancer are curable, and treatments can help you live a normal, pain-free life. For instance, if you have osteosarcoma, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible, as it is the most common form of bone cancer among children and young adults. You may also need chemotherapy for a secondary cancer that has spread to your bones.
Treatment for secondary bone cancer aims to control the disease, relieve symptoms, and prevent other problems from developing. However, some people may not be able to receive treatment because they are too ill. Regardless of the type of treatment you receive, your outlook for recovery will depend on many different factors, including how far the cancer has spread and how the treatment has responded. This makes early detection key for improving your chances of survival. If you have a bone cancer, your doctor will discuss the options for you.
