There are several treatments available for bone cancer, and each one has its own risks and benefits. Surgery, for example, has major risks, including infection and recurrence of the cancer. In addition, removing the cancer may also remove healthy tissue, leaving a patient with weakened bones and reduced sense of touch. Remaining bone tissue may also break, but after the surgery, rehabilitation therapy can help the patient regain their strength.
A veterinarian can determine the type and extent of a tumour by examining the affected limbs. If bone tissue appears “moth-eaten” or if a tumor has spread beyond the affected limb, osteosarcoma is likely. The veterinarian can also perform a biopsy or fine-needle aspiration to determine the exact nature of the cancer. Depending on the results of the biopsy, a doctor may decide to remove the affected bone and test it in the lab.
Blood tests measure two enzymes, alkaline phosphatase. When bone cells are active, the enzymes are high in the blood. These enzymes are often elevated in children, but they are not reliable indicators of bone cancer. They should be used as a guide to treatment options, but these tests cannot rule out bone cancer. This disease is often fatal. If the patient is diagnosed with bone cancer, they will be offered treatment that will help them overcome their symptoms.
Radiation therapy is another treatment for bone cancer. This therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells in the affected area. It is typically used before surgery, but it is sometimes used as a standalone treatment. This treatment is not appropriate for all types of bone cancer, however. It should not be avoided if the condition isn’t curable. However, if the disease is detected early, surgery is the best option.
Many patients with bone cancer are cured with treatment. Treatment for bone cancer may include chemotherapy or multiple surgeries. During this time, radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be used to keep the cancer from spreading. If successful, treatment for bone cancer should extend for many years. Patients should continue to check for signs of recurrence. If treatment continues, they can also have the disease spread. In some cases, the treatment can even prolong life expectancy.
Bone cancer is classified into several stages. Stage one is the earliest stage and is relatively small. It has not spread to lymph nodes or other organs. Stage two is the next stage, with the tumor growing larger than 8 centimeters. Stage three cancer has spread to distant sites. The last stage is called stage four. If it spreads, it is known as stage four. However, it is possible to treat bone cancer at stage one if it is caught in the early stages.
Early detection is crucial for the best outcome of treatment. When diagnosed in the early stages, bone cancer can be successfully treated. Symptoms vary, so it’s best to talk to your healthcare provider about your specific circumstances. You may also wish to join a support group for people who are facing the same cancer. Social support from others who have been through the same treatment can be helpful for your mental, emotional, and spiritual health. There is no cure for bone cancer, but you can follow a healthy lifestyle and avoid certain risks.
