Introductory statement, definition & epidemiology

There are more than 200 bones in human body. It support the body as a framework and also protects vital organ e.g. lung or heart.

Primary bone cancer starts in the bone whereas secondary bone cancer starts from other parts of the body and spreads to the bone (e.g. from the breast, lung or prostate).

Primary bone cancer only effects less than one percents of patient with bone cancer. Osteosarcoma is the commonest type and it usually affects young adult. It can affect any bone, but the arms, legs and pelvis are more commonly affected.

Secondary bone cancer is the commonest bone cancer. It is a spread of dangerous cancer cells from other organ to the bone. The cancer cells can affect any bone.

Information From WHO ( World Health Organization)

More than 70% of all cancer deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries. Deaths from cancer worldwide are projected to continue rising, with an estimated 12 million deaths in 2030.

Bone Cancer symptoms

The symptoms of bone cancer may vary from person to person, depending on the type and site of the cancer. Generally the signs and symptoms are :
*pain and swelling of the affected area
*increasing pain at night
*loss of function
*susceptibility to fracture
*unexplained loss of appetite and weight

Diagnosis

Good history taking and physical examination with necessary tests i.e. X-rays, bone scan and bone biopsy (surgical procedure to remove small part of the cancer cells and examined in the laboratory) is adequate to diagnose a bone cancer.

Treatment For Bone Cancer

With the current advance in chemotherapy (anti cancer drugs), special investigations, radiotherapy (x-rays to target and kill cancer cells) and surgical procedure, most of the primary and secondary bone cancer are treatable.

The treatment of secondary bone cancer will depends on the origin of the cancer. For many people with advanced stage of cancer, the aim of treatment is to prolong life and relieving symptoms of bone metastases.

Recovery

Over the past few years, the chances of recovery has increase significantly due to advancement in the modern chemotherapy.

The chance of recovery will depends on many factors that the orthopaedic surgeon will discuss with the patient and their relatives.