There are numerous types of bone lesion diseases. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, or NIH, bone tumors or lesions are an abnormal growth of cells within a bone that may be cancerous or non-cancerous. Bone lesions may also occur from cancer cells that spread to the bone from other parts of the body. The NIH states that the cause of bone tumors is unknown, although they may be caused by inherited genetic mutations, traumatic injury or exposure to radiation.
Osteosarcoma
Osteosarcoma is a bone lesion disease. According to the Mayo Clinic website, osteosarcoma is a rare and aggressive cancer that manifests in bone tissue. The Nemours Foundation--a non-profit organization dedicated to improving children's health--states that osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone cancer and the sixth most common cancer in children. Osteosarcoma tumors are usually discovered when a person notices prolonged pain or swelling in a bone or joint. Imaging studies that can help rule-in a diagnosis of osteosarcoma include x-rays, CT and MRI scans and bone scans. A biopsy of the suspected tumor--to determine if the lesion is benign or malignant, and to identify its type--is required before a diagnosis of osteosarcoma is confirmed. Although osteosarcoma begins in bone tissue, it can spread to other parts of the body, including the lungs and other bones.
Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma is a disease associated with bone lesions. The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, or MMRF--a charitable organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with multiple myeloma--multiple myeloma is a cancer of the blood. Apart from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple myeloma is the most common blood cancer, accounting for about one to two percent of all cancers. According to the MMRF, multiple myeloma has numerous effects on a person's body, including the bones, blood and kidneys, although multiple myeloma produces its most dramatic effects in bone. Multiple myeloma cells damage bones or cause bone loss in two distinct ways: by forming masses that disrupt the normal structure of neighboring bone and by secreting substances that impair bone growth and repair. Most people with multiple myeloma experience some degree of bone softening, due to osteolytic lesions that cause pain and increase a person's risk for fracture.
Chondrosarcoma
Chondrosarcoma is a bone lesion disease. According to the Liddy Shriver Sarcoma Initiative, or LSSI--an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people living with sarcoma--chondrosarcoma, the second most common cancer that develops within bone tissue, is a malignant cancer. Chondrosarcoma tumor cells begin growing either within or on the bone. The Bone Tumor website states that chondrosarcoma typically manifests in people 40 to 50 years old and occurs in males more than females. Common locations for chondrosarcoma include the femur, humerus, ribs and pelvis. Chondrosarcoma-related symptoms depend on the grade of the tumor. A high-grade and fast growing tumor can cause severe pain in the involved area. A low-grade tumor may cause some pain and swelling in the affected area. According to the Bone Tumor website, the most common treatment for chondrosarcoma is surgical excision.
