Bone cancer is a common pathology that can occur as a result of another cancer. Furthermore, it is one of the types that most affects children and the younger population. There are certain factors that can be taken into account to avoid its appearance.
What is bone cancer?
Bone cancer is a type of cancer formed in bone cells. It occurs when cells begin to grow and expand uncontrollably.
It is rare for bone cancer to be a primary cancer, since it is usually a secondary cancer, that is, it originates from a metastasis of another cancer existing in another part of the human body. Therefore, in these cases the cancer cells present in the bones will have the same characteristics and appearance as the primary cancer cells.
Causes of bone cancer
Bone cancer usually appears sporadically, without a clear cause being discernible. However, in some cases the causes are related to genetic alterations that can be hereditary. The most common alterations are those of the RB1, p53 and WRN genes, as well as people who suffer from Rothmund-Thomson Syndrome.
In some cases, bone cancer is the evolution of a benign bone tumor. There are pathologies, such as Paget's Disease or fibrous dysplasia, that are characterized by the formation of bone tissue abnormally, and that can lead to bone cancer.
Exposure to large doses of ionizing radiation is also related to the appearance of bone cancer. As well as exposure to radioactive substances, such as radium or strontium.
In the case of children, it has been observed how bone cancer can develop after undergoing a bone marrow transplant.
Types of bone cancer
As explained above, bone cancer is usually a secondary cancer. Therefore, to differentiate the types of bone cancer, it is essential to establish a first division between primary and secondary cancer.
In the case of primary bone cancer, reference is made to tumors formed in the bone itself. There are different types, but the most common are three: osteosarcoma is the most common. It usually appears in long bones, especially in the arms and legs. It is generated in bone cells that generate new bone. There are two types of osteosarcoma: medullary and peripheral. It usually appears in young people between 13 and 16 years old, and in people over 65 years old.
Another of the most common bone tumors is chondrosarcoma. This tumor forms in the cartilage of the bone, usually appearing in the pelvis, shoulder or ribs. It usually occurs in adults over 40 years of age.
Thirdly, we find Ewing's sarcoma, it is characterized by the round shape of its cells. It is characterized by the fusion of areas of two genes. It is usually diagnosed before the age of 20.
On the other hand, we talk about bone metastases, secondary to bone cancer. That is, they are cancer cells that come from other parts of the body and settle in bone tissue. It is common for prostate cancer to produce bone metastases. Two types can be differentiated: osteolytic and osteoblastic metastases.
Stages of bone cancer
When talking about bone cancer, it is usually classified by stages, depending on the state in which it is found. The stages range from one to four, the higher the number the more aggressive and widespread the cancer will be.
To establish where bone cancer is located, a system known as TNM is often used. This system takes into account four parameters: the size of the tumor, the extension to nearby lymph nodes, the spread or metastasis in other places and, finally, the grade at which it is found.
To measure this last parameter, three levels are established: grade 1 refers to relatively normal bone tissue, grade 2, in which the bone tissue has different characteristics. And finally, grade 3, in which the bone tissue looks completely abnormal.
Symptoms of bone cancer
Bone cancer presents symptoms, almost, from its beginning. The most characteristic symptom is the appearance of intense pain and inflammation or lumps caused by the tumor. Bone weakness usually limits the patient's mobility.
As in other types of cancer, the patient may experience sudden weight loss, as well as general fatigue.
Bone cancer diagnosis
For a correct diagnosis of bone cancer, you must first go to a bone tumor specialist, they will perform a physical examination, with the aim of locating any lymphadenopathy or sign that can alert you to the existence of bone tumors.
Secondly, diagnostic imaging tests will be performed, such as x-rays. Also magnetic resonance imaging, which is the most indicated for evaluating the tumor.
Normally, it is usually necessary to perform a biopsy to expand the information available. In the case of bone biopsies, there are two types: open, the skin and muscles are dissected to access the bone. And closed biopsies, in which tumor tissue is removed with a thick needle.
It is important to carry out an extension study to know if the disease is localized or not. For this, the most used tests are CT, which detects lung metastases, and bone gramgraphy, which can locate metastases throughout the body.
Lastly, it is important to make a diagnosis of the patient's general condition and functional capacity, in order to apply the appropriate treatment.
Treatments for bone cancer
The treatment of bone cancer must be multidisciplinary, that is, professionals from different specialties must participate in its design so that it is complete.
Each type of cancer has a different treatment, depending on the characteristics of the tumor. In this way, osteosarcoma is usually treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, that is, before the intervention, and adjuvant chemotherapy, after the operation. Radiotherapy is not effective, because these tumors are usually resistant to radiation.
In the case of Ewing's sarcoma, the most commonly used treatment is surgery, in combination with other treatments, usually radiotherapy, since these are radiosensitive tumors.
Treatment for chondrosarcoma usually involves surgery, which may be accompanied by radiotherapy. In this case, these types of tumors are resistant to chemotherapy.
Bone cancer prognosis
In recent years, life expectancy has increased significantly for bone cancer patients. Even so, the prognosis is directly conditioned by several parameters.
Firstly, the age of the patient, which can be a limitation for certain treatments. The location and size of the tumor, the patient's response to treatment or the existence of metastasis, are key to the patient's prognosis and chances of cure.
Bone cancer prevention
Bone cancer cannot be prevented directly, but preventive measures can be followed to help reduce risk factors, some of them are:
- Eat a healthy diet, rich in calcium and vitamin D.
- Avoid nicotine.
- Consume alcohol moderately.
- Perform controlled physical exercise and avoid a sedentary lifestyle.
- Detect it early, going to a specialist if symptoms are present.
Bone cancer can be very limiting for the patient, as it causes severe pain and lack of mobility. Although it cannot be avoided, certain habits can be acquired that reduce the factors and possibilities of suffering from it.
38 thoughts on “¿Qué es el cáncer de huesos? Tipos, síntomas y diagnóstico”
I have read all your instructions on bone cancer. I have bone problems. I'm going to consult a specialist.
Good morning Hugo,
Thank you very much for your comment and for reading our blog!
If you wish, you can Make an appointment with our team of specialized traumatologists in bone cancer.
All the best
interesting information, I have my mother who apparently suffers from it, she is 76 years old and in recent days she has had unbearable pain in her left leg... I have never felt so helpless to be able to do something to relieve her pain, seeing her suffer and cry is painful , we went to the INEN, and they applied an ampoyeta that must be given every 8 hours. This has calmed that pain... I would like you to guide me on what to do next... thank you very much
Good morning, Alfredo.
Thank you for commenting on our trauma blog, we are sorry for the situation your mother is in. In this case, we recommend consulting with a specialist traumatologist to determine the most appropriate treatment through a complete diagnosis of the symptoms. You can contact the team of expert traumatologists at the following link: https://elgeaditraumatologia.com/contacto/
All the best.
Hello, it turns out that I have a lump above my knee (apparently a bone) that occasionally causes discomfort during the day or night for a couple of years, which does not prevent the mobility of the leg. But recently the ball of my foot and part of the sole have felt numb, with tingling and a mild throbbing pain as well as the lump above my knee. I would like to know if they are related or something like that.
Good morning, Alan.
Thank you very much for your comment. To be able to study in a personalized way, it is best to go to an expert traumatologist who can make a comprehensive diagnosis of your pathology and who can determine the appropriate treatment. You can contact our eteam of traumatology experts in Madrid in the link provided.
All the best.
I have a lump behind my leg that is visible on my tongue, the lump is on the right side, I noticed it today but I don't feel any pain but it is clear that it is part of the stone
Good morning Pedro.
Thanks for your comment. To offer you an accurate diagnosis, it would be necessary for you to contact our Madrid traumatologists through the link provided.
All the best.
bone cancer information
Hello Jesus,
Thanks for your comment. All the information you can find in this article or on our website https://elgeaditraumatologia.com/especialistas-tumores-oseos/
If you have any other questions, do not hesitate to contact the team. specialists in bone tumor surgery in the link provided. All the best.
Good afternoon. What is the average lifespan of a person who suffers from bone cancer (metastasis), after being diagnosed? What alternative medicine do you recommend to have a better quality of life?
Good morning Sara,
Thanks for reading our trauma blog.
It will depend on the type of cancer and where the primary cancer is located. You can make an appointment at our trauma center if you wish.
All the best.
Can primary bone cancer be treated (and cured) with hyperbaric chamber sessions? I have known that this method is used in Nordic countries.
Hello John,
Yes, it can metastasize. But there is no scientific evidence that it can be cured with a hyperbaric chamber.
See you soon!
Hello. A few days ago I started with severe pain in both my arms. Now it's mild and my fingers hurt too. Could you tell me what it could be?
Hello Heidy, with so little information we cannot make a diagnosis. Please go to a nearby specialist.
A hug!
Hello, I have come here due to high previous concern. It turns out that I have been having pain in my right hip, much more noticeable in recent weeks, and with the presence of a clear bulge. I should also say that 4 years ago I had a radical prostatectomy that initially went well and that until now has given correct results in the PSA controls carried out until 8 months ago, which was the last one. I have been to my family doctor today and he has ordered me to do a film. Will that film be enough to detect a tumor in the unwanted event that there is one or would other scintigraphy-type tests be better required? Thank you
Hi Kike,
It is a field in which the truth is beyond our competence. You should check with your urologist/oncologist.
Good luck.
Hello, I am 16 years old, and for 2 years my left leg has been showing pain, heaviness and I feel hot, it is an unbearable pain, I am currently getting headaches and I started to experience headaches and pain in my right arm as well. that on my back, I don't know what it could be!
Hello Maria,
With this data we cannot give you a diagnosis. But it would be important for you to see it in consultation.
Greetings
Hello, I am 33 years old and in 2019 I had breast cancer and I was cured but today in 2024 they detected metastases in my bones. This hurts much more with the cold. They told me that they only give me 3 months to live. I want a second opinion but I don't have one. money to pay an individual I just want to live a little longer because my babies are little help me xf
Hello Ana Karen,
We are very sorry for your situation and you don't know how much it hurts us not to be able to help you.
We are always open to trying, although in this case we cannot do anything since we do not specialize in the field of oncology.
We wish you the best and will pray for you and your family.
Greetings
2 years ago my 33 year old son felt a tingling and numbness at the tip of his
Foot up to the face Left side,
I performed many blood tests, MRIs on the brain, the spine and all the specialists, what happened, always said the same thing, HE HAS NOTHING.. only Stress is anxious, but I was always worried, he usually walks regularly in the afternoons and very occasionally comes with There was pain in his left leg but he didn't have it the next day. A year ago, a lump appeared on that leg that was movable when touched. He went to the doctor and they told him it was an inflammation or something like that, I don't remember. I I'm worried because I think I might have something, and it's been 2 years since her symptoms have passed and they told her she had carpal tunnel syndrome, but I would really like to know if it's normal for her left leg to hurt from time to time.
Hi Celia,
We would have to evaluate the case in consultation to be able to give you an answer.
You can make an appointment by calling 91 005 39 00.
Greetings
Good morning, my husband has cancer. He doesn't eat, he's skinny, he vomits, he doesn't sleep, and I would like to know. He has a very strong headache, very strong. Can you help me with this question, please?
Hi Jimmy,
I am so sorry to hear about what your husband is going through. The symptoms you mention, such as severe headache, vomiting, loss of appetite, and weight loss, are worrying and could indicate that he needs urgent medical attention. It is critical that you take him to the emergency room or contact his oncologist immediately. These symptoms could be signs of a complication that requires prompt attention. Don't wait to seek help.
Greetings
Bonjour j'ai horribly mal dan les bras et les jambes pieds depuis deux ans la douleur semble être à l'intérieur pouvez vous me rassurez j'ai peur d'avoir un cancer des os mon grand père en a eu un et j'ai three bad
Thank you
Hello Bea,
I understand your concern. La douleur persistante dans les bras et les jambes peut avoir plusieurs causes, comme des troubles neurologiques, musculaires ou circulatoires, mais elle ne signifie pas forcément un cancer des os. Consult a general practitioner or a rhumatologue for appropriate examinations. Mentionnez your familiar antecedents to guide the diagnosis and receive an adapted treatment.
Good evening, I am 39 years old and for three months now I have had a lot of pain in my lower back, hands and legs and I feel exhausted. The orthopedist says it is probably rheumatism and I will now go to the rheumatologist. Could this be the beginning of bone cancer?
Hi Carolina, I'm so sorry you're going through this. Joint pain and exhaustion are not necessarily indicative of bone cancer, although it's important to get an accurate diagnosis in order to properly treat any condition that may be affecting your health.
If you would like a consultation with our specialists so they can evaluate your case, please do not hesitate to call us at (+34) 91 005 39 00.
Hello, good afternoon, my name is Anays. 4 months ago I started having a lot of very strong pain in my hands, a lot of weakness. I had a x-ray of my hands done and I don't like the color of my bones. It's a dark color. I can't do anything and I can barely comb my hair. My hands swell up quickly.
Hello, Anays.
We're sorry to hear you're experiencing this pain. It's very important that a specialist review both your tests and your symptoms to determine an accurate diagnosis. The color of bones on a X-ray can be related to various conditions, so a thorough evaluation is essential to identify the cause and determine the most appropriate treatment.
We recommend that you see a specialist so they can evaluate your case and perform the necessary tests to confirm or rule out any related conditions. Don't hesitate to schedule a consultation so they can help you find the best path to recovery.
Greeting.
Good evening, my mother is 55 years old, 5 months ago she was diagnosed with grade I chondrosarcoma, the pain according to my mother is becoming unbearable, the trauma specialist when analyzing her results concluded that it was almost impossible to operate on her due to the location of the tumor, we are concerned that the tumor will spread and could cause metastasis, although we still have hope, we just need a second opinion, if possible a surgery or a curettage that could cure my mother.
Hello Wilmer,
We are deeply sorry for the situation you are going through. In order to provide you with a second opinion, our specialists would need to evaluate the tests and your case in detail. You can request an appointment for a second opinion consultation by calling 91 005 39 00, where our specialists can provide you with a complete evaluation and advise you on the available treatment options.
We are at your disposal to help you with whatever you need.
Greetings.
I was diagnosed with high-grade oral dysplasia 5 months ago, although I have had symptoms for almost a year, I only wanted to do the first biopsy. Two months ago I started having a lot of pain in my hip and tailbone. I have developed lumps on my hip, tailbone, and cheekbone with wounds that do not go away. I have spots all over my body that end up turning into wounds. I usually have a lot of pain in all the bones of my body. I feel exhausted. I cannot eat. If I eat something, I get nauseated and vomit. I am constipated and when I have a bowel movement I bleed and I usually urinate at most once a day and my urine is bright red. Is it possible that the dysplasia has turned into cancer and spread?
Hello Fatima,
Based on what you've mentioned, it's very important that you see a doctor as soon as possible to undergo the necessary tests to determine what's happening. Only with a medical evaluation and appropriate testing will it be possible to identify the cause of your symptoms and establish the appropriate treatment.
We recommend that you do not delay your consultation, as an early evaluation can make a difference in the management of any condition.
Greetings.
Hello, good afternoon! Last night I noticed that one of my ribs is sticking out more than usual; it looks like a swollen bone. Do I need to see a doctor, or is the rib just naturally larger? I'm not in any pain.
Hi Paulina, if you notice a more prominent rib even if it doesn't hurt, a medical evaluation is recommended to confirm whether it's an anatomical variation or to rule out changes in the chest wall. An examination and, if necessary, an X-ray will usually clarify the issue.