Bone cancer occurs when malignant cancer cells begin to grow and spread within the bones. According to the Mayo Clinic, bone cancer can begin in any bone in the body, but it most commonly affects the long bones that make up the arms and legs. Common types of bone cancer include osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma. The recommended treatment for bone cancer depends on the stage and grade of the cancer, degree of spread and the overall health of the patient.
Surgery
Surgery may be recommended for patients with advanced bone cancer. The surgeon will try to remove the tumor and some of the surrounding healthy tissue, according to the Mayo Clinic. In more advanced cases, the affected limb may need to be amputated. Reconstructive surgery may be necessary depending on the type of surgical procedure preformed. In cases where a limb is amputated, a prosthetic limb may be an option.
Chemotherapy
Some patients with advanced bone cancer may receive chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is the use of strong medications to kill cancer cells and keep them from dividing. Chemotherapy is often used before surgery to shrink a bone cancer to a more manageable size, allowing the surgeon to use a limb-sparing surgery. Chemotherapy may also be used in patients with advanced bone cancer to kill cancer cells that have already spread throughout the body. It can be given intravenously or in pill form. Side effects of chemotherapy include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, hair loss and loss of appetite.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy involves the use of high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells and may be used in combination with surgery for the treatment of advanced bone cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. For patients who are unable to have surgery, radiation therapy may be able to shrink existing tumors to provide pain relief. Side effects of radiation therapy can include skin burn, fatigue, nausea and loss of appetite.
Cryosurgery
Some patients with advanced bone cancer may undergo cryosurgery, which uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy cancer cells. When used to treat advanced bone cancer, cryosurgery can destroy nearby bone tissue, resulting in fractures, and may interact badly with certain types of chemotherapy, explains the National Cancer Institute.
