Treatment for osteosarcoma and Ewing’s sarcoma begins with chemotherapy. If chemotherapy is unsuccessful, patients may undergo bone-directed drugs, which destroy cancer cells in the bone marrow. These drugs can shrink a tumour before surgery and kill any remaining cancer cells after surgery. Depending on the type of cancer, a patient may also undergo radiation therapy.
Primary bone cancer develops in the bone itself, and is more common in children than adults. It can occur in any bone, but usually begins in the long bones of the arms and legs. It is a relatively common form of cancer in older adults. Men are more likely to develop chordoma. Benign bone tumors may become cancerous, but they do not usually pose a life-threatening threat. In some cases, cancer may start in the bone marrow but spread to the bone, requiring specialized treatment.
If bone cancer is secondary, it is often treated with surgery. Hormonal therapies can treat secondary bone cancer from breast or prostate cancer. Some chemotherapy drugs can be used to treat secondary bone cancer, depending on the location of the primary cancer. Other treatments may include targeted therapy. One drug called denosumab can reduce the risk of fractures from secondary bone cancer. Immunotherapy can also be used to treat some types of cancer. Treatment for bone cancer varies, so your doctor will discuss all treatment options with you.
The symptoms of bone cancer can be vague, and may mimic other illnesses. Pain in the area of the tumor is often the first symptom. The pain may be worse at night or when you use it, or it may be constant or get worse as you move or walk. You may also experience fever, chills, and night sweats. While most cancers do not fracture, they can cause difficulty breathing or swallowing. A chest X-ray may reveal if the tumor has spread to the lungs.
Although bone cancer is uncommon, it can be treated successfully if detected early. Treatment options vary, depending on the type of bone cancer, the location of the tumor, and the stage at which the cancer has spread. If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, patients may be prescribed a drug called mifamurtide, which is known to treat osteosarcoma. If the tumor is locally advanced, however, a surgical procedure may be necessary.
If you are diagnosed with bone cancer, your doctor will determine which stage it is in. Stage 1 is the most common type of bone cancer and is the most treatable stage. However, if it has spread to other parts of your body, you may need chemotherapy or radiation treatment. In the meantime, you should seek treatment for the tumor as soon as possible. It’s important to get the proper diagnosis so that you can receive the best treatment.
