Arthritis is a common condition that causes stiffness, inflammation, and limited movement around joints. Around 10 million people in the UK suffer from arthritis, but this condition is far more common than bone cancer. Fortunately, there is treatment for bone cancer. In fact, most people survive their cancer for at least five years. Thankfully, most cases can be treated and completely cured.
Treatment options for bone cancer depend on the location of the tumor. Tumours in the legs and arms have better outcomes than those in the pelvis, chest, or abdomen. The most common types of cancer in bones are grouped according to size and location. Some types of cancer can spread to lymph nodes in the liver and lungs. While the prognosis of bone cancer is not high, the survival rates for patients with this disease are very good.
Besides the symptoms, patients with bone pain may also experience arthritis or osteoporosis. In some cases, it may be a sign of bone cancer. A cancer diagnosis of bone pain is essential for the treatment of osteoporosis. The cancer is classified into two types: primary and metastatic. Primary bone cancer is caused by a primary tumor and metastatic bone cancer results from the spread of cancerous cells from another organ. Most common cancer organs include the lung, breast, and prostate. Other types of cancer that can affect bone structure include Paget disease and osteoporosis.
Treatment for bone cancer is based on the stage of the tumor. If it is localized, it can be removed surgically. The disease may spread to other parts of the body. Treatment for metastatic bone cancer is similar to that for primary cancer. In addition to surgery, patients with metastatic bone cancer may be treated with radiation therapy or chemotherapy. There are also some complications of surgery that need to be addressed. The cancer may be metastasized in the bone, which will lead to amputation.
Survival rates are important to understand as bone cancer is rare and often difficult to treat. Even though the statistics may give you an idea of the prognosis, it is not a guarantee of a good quality of life. Talk to your health care team to get an accurate and up-to-date treatment option. Survival rates are based on the stage at which the cancer is diagnosed and treated at the time of diagnosis. Often, a person with bone cancer will not live longer than five years after the diagnosis.
