Early Warning Signs of Bone Cancer

Bone cancer is a rare form of cancer that's diagnosed in roughly 200,000 people each year. Although bone cancer is less prominent than other cancers, it's unique in how it's diagnosed in both adults and children. Understanding bone cancer symptoms can help people seek a doctor's diagnosis so they can begin receiving treatment as quickly as possible. Taking into account the risk factors of bone cancer and the symptoms you may be experiencing helps to expedite the care necessary regardless of your age and the stage of the cancer itself. Because everyone experiences bone cancer differently, it is essential to pay attention to your body in order to ensure you do not ignore potential warning signs before getting to a proper physician for tests and a diagnosis. Read on for answers to some of the most important questions about bone cancer.

Frequently Asked Questions ( 8 )   Add a Question

  1. What are some of the most common early indications of bone cancer?
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    Some of the most common early signs of bone cancer include bone pain, joint pain, unintended weight loss, bone fractures, fatigue, and swelling. It is not uncommon to not have pain with bone cancer, so it is important to note any other changes in your body that you have recently experienced if you believe you may have bone cancer.

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  2. What are the types of bone cancer?
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    There are three different types of bone cancer, including Osteosarcoma, Chondrosarcoma, and Ewing's Sarcoma. Osteosarcoma begins within the cells and often begins in the arms or legs, affecting both children and adults. Chondrosarcoma also begins in the cells of adults and is likely to affect the pelvis, arms, or legs. Ewing's Sarcoma does not have a definitive starting point, but often occurs in the legs, arms, and pelvis of adults and children.

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  3. How is bone cancer diagnosed?
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    A traditional bone scan, MRI, PET scan, CT scan, and x-ray scans are all useful with diagnosing bone cancer and determining the point of origin of a tumor or the bone cancer in your body. You may also need a biopsy or a surgical sample of the tissue of your bone to help with the prognosis and diagnosis of the bone cancer that is present.

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  4. What are some of the treatment options available for bone cancer?
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    Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are all used for the treatment for bone cancer depending on the location of the cancer and the stage of your diagnosis. Speaking with your oncologist is a way to compare your options to begin moving forward with the proper treatment you require.

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  5. Are there risk factors to developing bone cancers?
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    Inherited genes are one of the most common risk factors of developing bone cancers along with Paget's disease of the bone which is mostly found in older adults. Additionally, if you have had radiation therapy in the past it can also contribute to the risk of developing bone cancer later in life.

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  6. What type of doctor should I see if I believe I have bone cancer?
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    Visiting a primary physician prior to being diagnosed is a way to find a bone cancer specialist or oncologist, who understands bone cancer and metastatic bone cancer in-depth before moving forward with a diagnosis and treatment route for your body.

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  7. Is there a way to prevent bone cancer from developing and spreading?
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    Unfortunately there is not a way to prevent this condition from spreading and developing. The most proactive way to maintain your health and improve the bone cancer survival rate is to understand what to look for in your body to get treatment as quickly as possible if you are diagnosed with bone cancer.

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  8. Are all bone tumors cancerous?
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    Not all bone tumors are cancerous, which is why it is necessary to have an MRI in addition to traditional bone scans and tests before proceeding with the proper treatment you require. Some tumors on the bone are known to go away on their own, not causing pain or additional ailments in the body.

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