Bone cancer is mainly classified into two types: primary bone cancer and secondary bone cancer. Primary bone cancer includes osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, and fibrosarcoma. Secondary bone cancer arises from the metastasis of other primary malignant tumours, such as lung cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, kidney cancer, thyroid cancer, and gastrointestinal cancer.
Q2. What are the causes of bone cancer?
Most primary bone cancers do not have a known cause. A small number of osteosarcomas may be associated with genetic factors. Some benign chondromas can develop into chondrosarcomas. Secondary bone cancers are caused by the spread of cancer from other organs, such as the lungs and breasts.
Q3. In which patients is primary bone cancer commonly found?
Osteosarcoma primarily affects adolescents, but it can also occur in older individuals. Most chondrosarcomas are found in individuals aged between 30 and 70.
Q4. How can one distinguish between general bone pain and pain caused by bone cancer? When should one seek medical attention?
Bone cancer can cause pain due to weakened bone structure. Warning signs include pain that occurs at rest and at night. Generally, any persistent and unexplained pain should be evaluated by a doctor.
Q5. What treatment methods are available for bone cancer? Is amputation necessary?
Primary bone cancer is typically treated with surgery, often along with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Most patients can have limb-sparing surgery, but those with significant involvement of soft tissue and nerves vessels and nerves may need an amputation.
Q6. How to repair bone defects after tumour removal surgery?
After limb-sparing surgery to remove the tumour, there may be considerable bone loss. This can be repaired by using metal prosthetics or biological reconstruction. Biological reconstruction methods include liquid nitrogen treated tumour bone recycling, vascularised fibula grafting, or allografting.
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