Bone cancer is a malignant tumor that begins in the bone and destroys normal bone tissue. Bone cancer can affect any bone in the body, but most commonly affects the long bones that are located in the arms and legs, according to MayoClinic.com. There are several different types of bone cancer, and precise treatments are aimed at the treating the specific type; however, there are three general treatment options for bone cancer.
Surgery
Surgery is the most common treatment for bone cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. Surgery is aimed at removing the entire malignant tumor. If the bone cancer can be separated from the nerves and surrounding tissue, the surgeon will remove only the cancerous tumor. Some bone may be lost in the procedure, and in these cases, lost bone will be replaced with bone from other parts of the body or prosthetic bone. After this procedure, physical therapy will be necessary to regain full function of the limb. In more severe cases of bone cancer, amputation of the limb may be required. This procedure is becoming less common with medical advances. If the bone cancer is not located in a limb, surgery will be focused on removing the tumor as well as some of the surrounding tissue. Cryosurgery is a surgical technique that uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and kill the cancerous cells.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a treatment option that includes administration of a combination of anti-cancer drugs aimed at killing the cancerous cells. Chemotherapy treatment is most often given intravenously, or through the vein, but can also be given by mouth or injection. Chemotherapy can be used alone or in conjunction with surgery or radiation treatments. Unpleasant side effects often accompany chemotherapy and include nausea, vomiting, hair loss and mouth sores, according to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America. Chemotherapy treatment is most often used for bone cancers that have spread to other parts of the body.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy is administered by a machine that rotates around the body delivering radiation to specific body parts while the patient lies flat on a table. Radiation therapy is often used for bone cancers that cannot be effectively treated with chemotherapy or used in conjunction with chemotherapy or surgery, according to the National Cancer Institute. Radiation therapy is also used for those who refuse surgical treatment and can be used to treat bone cancer on any part of the body.
