Primary bone cancer is cancer that originated within the bone, while secondary bone cancer is cancer that has spread to the bone from another area of the body. For example, lung cancer cells can spread to the bone, and even though they are now in the bone, they are still referred to as lung cancer. There are several different types of primary bone cancer.
Osteosarcoma
Osteosarcoma is the most common of the primary bone cancers. It starts within the cells of the bone, and is usually found in the arms, legs or pelvic region. According to the American Cancer Society, osteosarcoma is most often detected in people from 10 to 30 years of age, and only 10 percent of cases are found in those over 60. Osteosarcoma cells can spread though the blood stream to other organs and even other bones within the body.
Chondrosarcoma
Chondrosarcoma begins in the bone's cartilage cells. It is usually found in people between the ages of 20 to 75. Chondrosarcoma can begin inside the bone, or on the surface of the bone, and those most often afflicted are the arm bones, leg bones, and pelvis. Cancer Research UK states that it can also develop in the shoulder blades, skull, and ribs.
Ewing Sarcoma
Ewing sarcoma is also referred to as a Ewing tumor. It is named after Dr. James Ewing who first discovered it. While Ewing sarcoma often develops within the bone, it can also begin in other body tissues and organs. Like the cancers listed above, Ewing sarcoma is usually found in bones of the ribs, shoulder blades, pelvis, arms, and legs. The American Cancer Society reports that it is most common in young people, from children up to age 30, with the highest rate being found in early teens. It is rarely diagnosed in African Americans or Asian Americans.
Chordoma
A chordoma is a type of primary bone cancer that is quite rare. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, chordomas are often found at the tailbone, or the base of the skull, but can also be found elsewhere along the spine. They are usually found in patients over 30 years of age, and is diagnosed twice as often in men than women. It has a slow growth rate and rarely spreads to other areas of the body,.
Giant Cell Tumor
Giant cell bone tumors can be both cancerous and non-cancerous (benign). While the benign type is most common, cancerous tumors do develop. When they do, they are often found on bones near the knees, or in the arms. Like chordomas, they don't usually mestatize (spread), but once they are removed they often recur in the same area. Giant cell bone tumors are commonly found in middle aged adults.
Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma
Malignant fibrous histiocytoma rarely start within the bone, but begin within the connective tissues between or near the bones instead. However, there are occasions when MFH develops as a primary bone tumor, and when it does, it is usually in the legs and arms. The American Cancer Society reports that it is usually found in middle age and elderly patients. It can remain localized, or spread to other areas of the body.
