Bone Cancer - Frequently asked Questions

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Q. What is Primary Bone Cancer?

Q. What is Secondary Bone Cancer?

Q. What are the symptoms of Bone Cancer?

Q. How are Bone Tumors diagnosed?

Q. What is treatment for Bone Cancer?

Q. Can amputations be avoided in Bone Cancer patient?

Q. How the results of cancer treatment can be improved?

What is Primary Bone Cancer?

Primary bone cancer refers to cancers which start in the bone. These are different to secondary Bone Cancer which starts in other parts of the body and later spread to the bones. Bones cancers are the tumors which have the potential to spread to other parts of the body. These are different to benign (non-cancerous) bone tumors which do not spread.

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What is Secondary Bone Cancer?

Secondary bone cancer is where malignant cells have spread to the bones from other parts of the body. Virtually all type of cancer can spread to bone, however more common in people with breast, lung or prostate cancer.

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What are the symptoms of Bone Cancer?

The most common symptoms are pain and swelling or tenderness in the affected area. Sometimes bone cancer can interfere with movement and can weaken the bones, occasionally leading to a fracture. Other symptoms of cancer may include tiredness, fever, weight loss and anemia. None of these symptoms is sure sign of cancer, if you suspect you have a health problem, consult your doctor.

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How are Bone Tumors diagnosed?

• Complete medical Examination
• Blood Test
• X-Rays
• Other scans of Bones for example: CT-Scan, MRI, Bone Scan if required.
• Biopsy (removal of sample of tissue) – It is better to get biopsy done in cancer hospital where other treatment is also planned.

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What is treatment for Bone Cancer?

Treatment will depend on the type of cancer, whether it has spread or not, the size and location of main tumor. Treatment of Bone Cancer is complex and involves a team of different specialists usually within an institution that is experienced in treating these types of cancers. There are three main types of treatment:

• Surgery (to take out the tumor in an operation) – often used.
• Radiotherapy (using high does X-Rays to kill cancer cells)
• Chemotherapy (using drugs to kill cancer cells)

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Can amputations be avoided in Bone Cancer patient?

Amputation has been the treatment offered for any cancer of the limb in past. Now with better drugs available for cancer treatment, advanced investigations and better surgical techniques at affordable cost, limbs of the patient can be saved. The treatment may include removal to tumor and limb saving surgery using special joints called Mega prosthesis. However amputations are still offered to those who could not reach a cancer hospital in time and cancer has already spread beyond certain limits.

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How the results of cancer treatment can be improved?

The chance of recovery for Bone Cancers has improved significantly with modern advanced treatment. We face challenges in cancer treatment in India due to late presentation of a patient.
Results can certainly be improved if:

• Cancer awareness in public.
• Early referral to cancer hospital.
• Proper detailed diagnosis of cancer.
• Treatment by team of cancer specialist.

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