Bone cancer---cancer that has its primary source of origin in the bone---is one of the rarer forms of this deadly disease. Representing slightly under one percent of all cancers in the United States, it strikes less than 2,500 individuals annually. Preying on the body's 260 bones, its cancer cells tend to invade an individual's bone tissue destroying healthy tissue in the process.
Primary Versus Metastatic
Primary bone cancer actually starts in the bone, not in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is found in the soft center of the bone and produces blood cells. Secondary or metastatic bone cancer starts in a different part of the body, but metastasizes to a person's bones.
Osteosarcoma Bone Cancer
One of the three most common types of primary bone cancer, osteosarcoma is most prevalent in young people between the ages of 10 and 25 with substantially more men being diagnosed than women. Originating at the end of still-developing bone tissue, osteosarcoma tends to impact the knees and appendages. Early indicators of this type of bone cancer are pain, inflammation and soreness. In some cases, the cancerous cells can impair an individual's mobility and soften his bones.
Chondrosarcoma Bone Cancer
This form of bone cancer affects the cartilage surrounding an adult's joints. Cartilaginous tissue cushions the tips of the bones and "lines" the joints. It is known to develop between the hip bones, in the pelvic region, the deltoids (shoulder) or thighs (upper leg). When cancerous cells are present in a chondrosarcoma, the cancerous cells (or tumor) are considered to be an osteosarcoma. Evidence of this form of bone cancer is different based on the tumor's position. Symptoms range from a large growth on the bone, heaviness surrounding the growth and various levels of pain (including pain that intensifies at night, but is eased with anti-inflammatory drugs), pain that doesn't lessen after a period of inactivity and/or long-term pain that intensifies over time.
Ewing's Sarcoma
This "family" of cancerous cells commonly strikes young or underdeveloped bone tissue particularly that found in bone marrow. One in 50,000 youngsters between the ages of 10 and 20 fall victim to this form of bone cancer, which is responsible for roughly one-third of all bone cancer in children. It also has been identified in soft or supporting tissue, such as fibrous or connective tissue that shapes tendons and ligaments, blood vessels, muscle or fat. Symptoms may include discomfort, inflammation and tenderness around the growth, loss of appetite and weight, elevated temperature and lethargy.
Risk Factors
There is no definitive cause for bone cancer. There are, however, certain risk factors that may make an individual more predisposed to the disease. Those who have been treated with high levels of external radiation or anticancer medications appear to have a greater incidence of osteosarcoma. Other factors include a family history of "faulty" bones or persons who have metal implants.
