There are several types of bone cancer, including osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma. Although these conditions occur most frequently in Whites, they are rare in other races. They are also associated with hereditary conditions, such as hereditary retinoblastoma. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with bone cancer, you should consult with a doctor to determine the best treatment. Fortunately, there are many treatments available for these diseases, and the outlook for a person affected by the disease depends on the type and extent of the cancer.
A medical doctor may recommend a blood test to diagnose bone cancer. This test measures the activity of two enzymes. A high level of one enzyme may indicate the presence of bone cancer or Ewing sarcoma. High levels of one enzyme, alkaline phosphatase, indicate active bone cells. However, this test is not always useful to identify bone cancer. For this reason, screening for bone cancer involves multiple tests. One test will detect cancer before it causes symptoms and identify patients who would benefit from treatment.
There are many types of bone cancer, including primary and metastatic. The symptoms can range from no symptoms to severe bone pain. Because bone cancer is usually silent, symptoms of the disease may not show up until it has spread to other parts of the body. Moreover, because bone cancer is usually undetectable by traditional means, it is important to undergo imaging tests, including computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and X-rays.
Depending on the stage and type of primary bone cancer, patients may undergo radiation therapy to shrink the tumor. Another option is chemotherapy, which targets cancer cells throughout the body. Chemotherapy is given as a pill or as an injection. Treatment for bone cancer often requires a team of doctors, and patients should understand the risks and side effects associated with the treatment options. A patient should also consider their overall health when considering a treatment plan.
People with some risk factors for bone cancer may also have other health conditions. Some risk factors include smoking, having certain genetic syndromes, and receiving radiation therapy. However, these factors do not guarantee a person will develop the disease. For some, risk factors for bone cancer are known. For instance, if a person has Paget’s disease of the bone, he or she is at a higher risk of developing it. However, there are also people with certain inherited syndromes and radiation therapy for cancer.
The most common type of bone cancer is osteosarcoma. Osteosarcoma develops in bone cells and is usually found in children and young adults. While it can arise outside of the bone, it most often affects a child’s limb. Chondrosarcoma is the second most common form of bone cancer, usually in the pelvis or arm. Unlike osteosarcoma, this type does not affect soft tissues.
