A bone tumor forms when cancer cells grow in a bone, creating an abnormal lump or mass. Most bone tumors are benign, but some are malignant and can spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs. If a tumor is malignant, it needs to be treated.
Bone tumors may be painful or cause swelling and stiffness. They can also affect the function of nearby joints and tendons, and can cause fractures (breaks). Bone tumors are usually found because of a physical exam or imaging tests.
X-rays can show whether a lesion is solid or hollow, and can help identify the type of tumor. A computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide detailed pictures of the bone from many different angles. A dye is injected into the vein before the CT or MRI test to make it easier for doctors to see the structure of the bone and the tumor.
Doctors diagnose bone tumors based on their appearance and symptoms, as well as results from blood tests and imaging tests. They will take a thorough medical history, including details about any previous tumors or cancers that you or your family members have had. Doctors may examine other parts of your body to rule out cancers that can spread to bone, such as lung or skin cancers.
A blood test called an alkaline phosphatase test can be a useful tool in diagnosing bone tumors. When the tissue that makes up a bone is growing rapidly, such as in children, a high level of this enzyme shows up in the blood and can indicate a tumor.
The most common treatment for bone tumors is surgery to remove the tumor and part of the affected bone. In some cases, chemotherapy drugs are used before or after surgery to shrink the tumor and kill any cancer cells that remain.
For some types of bone cancer, radiation therapy is also used to kill any remaining cancer cells and improve the chances for a cure. Chemotherapy is often used as palliative treatment to relieve pain and other symptoms caused by the tumor.
Your doctor will recommend a treatment plan based on the type and stage of your bone cancer. This plan may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and/or biologic therapies.
Our team of specialists works together to cure your child or teen’s disease, support you during treatment and prevent serious side effects, and provide follow-up care.
We’ll continue to monitor your child’s condition as they grow into adulthood. If your child moves away, we’ll help them find health care providers close to home who can continue to offer the same care. Our goal is to give your child the best chance of a full, healthy life.
