Types of Bone Cancer

Our bones are covered with a fibrous tissue called periosteum, and we have one layer. Bones contain 2 different cells. One is the osteoblast, this one develops the bone, and the other is the osteoclast, which is the one that dissolves the bone. Our bones are constantly forming, as the old bone is dissolving.

One type of Bone Cancer is Osteosarcome, which affects the Osteoid, locations can be of the knees, upper legs, upper arms.

Another type is Chondrosarcoma, which affects the Cartilage; location can be in the pelvis, upper legs, or shoulders.

Third type of Bone Cancer is Ewing’s Sarcoma, which affects the immature nerve tissue, usually in the bone marrow; locations can be in the pelvis, upper legs, ribs, and arms.

What is Bone Cancer?

Bone cancer consists of several types of bone tumors. Some tumors are benign, some are malignant bone tumors, there is yet another one called malignant fibrous histiocytoma. Osteosarcoma: cancer of the bone itself. It’s the most common. Chondrosarcoma: This one is in the cartilage cells and is second most common. Then we have Ewing tumor: named after Dr. James Ewing. Less than 10% are in other tissues and organs. This type of cancer develops in the cavity of the bone.

Diagnoses of Bone Cancer

In order to get the size, shape of the one tumor ad x-ray can be performed than, then perhaps an MRI, then maybe a bone scan, or an angiogram. A biopsy should be done to find out if it is cancer.

Treatment

Any treatments depend on locations, type, size, and the stage of the Bone Cancer. Surgery may be the primary treatment, pre/post operative chemotherapy. A surgeon may try to avoid amputation and look for bone cancer section only. Chemotherapy or radiation may be used or both.