Detection of Bone Cancer: Is it Possible to Miss it?
Bone cancer is a rare form of the disease, accounting for about 0.2% of all cancers. The outlook for bone cancer depends on various factors, including the type, stage, and grade of the cancer, as well as the individual's age and overall health.
In general, bone cancer can weaken the affected bones, but in most cases, the bones do not fracture. However, when a bone fracture does occur due to bone cancer, it is often described as a sudden and severe pain in a bone that had been painful for a while.
Doctors differentiate between primary bone cancer and bone metastasis. Primary bone cancer originates in the bone itself, while bone metastasis is cancer that has spread to the bones from another part of the body, such as the lungs or prostate.
There are several types of primary bone cancer, each with different survival rates. Osteosarcoma, a common type of bone cancer, has a 5-year survival rate that ranges between 60% to 89%. This rate varies depending on the specific type and grade of the tumor, with localized disease survival around 60–70% and up to 89% reported in some studies when treatment is effective.
Chondrosarcoma, another type of primary bone cancer, has a 5-year survival rate that depends on tumor grade. Low-grade chondrosarcomas have a 5-year survival rate of about 80–90%, whereas high-grade tumors have lower survival rates around 50–60%.
Chordoma, a less common type of primary bone cancer, has a generally favorable survival rate of around 70–90%.
Giant cell tumors of bone are usually considered benign or intermediate malignancy, so 5-year survival rates tend to be high. However, specific relative survival rates are less commonly reported in literature compared to malignant bone sarcomas.
Common symptoms of bone cancer include bone pain in the tumor area, which may start intermittently and worsen during activity and at night. Bone cancer can also cause fatigue and weight loss. If bone cancer metastasizes to other organs, such as the lungs, it can cause symptoms such as difficulty breathing.
In some cases, bone tumors can cause swelling or a lump. Symptoms of bone cancer can vary depending on the type, location, and stage of the cancer. Bone cancer in the spine can cause numbness, weakness, or tingling in other areas of the body due to compression on the nerves of the spinal cord.
A doctor diagnoses bone cancer through a biopsy and imaging tests following symptoms. There are no recommended screening tests for people who are not at increased risk of bone cancer.
Other types of primary bone cancer include Ewing sarcoma, a type of bone cancer affecting children and adolescents, which grows and spreads quickly. Cancer that is localized and has not spread beyond the bone has a better prognosis.
In summary, the 5-year relative survival rates for some types of bone cancer are: chondrosarcoma (79%), chordoma (84%), giant cell tumor of bone (78%). The outlook for bone cancer can be favourable, especially when diagnosed early and treated effectively. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional if you experience any persistent bone pain or other symptoms.
[1] Cancer Research UK. (2021). Bone cancer (primary). https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/bone-cancer/types/primary [2] American Cancer Society. (2021). Chordoma. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/chordoma.html [3] National Cancer Institute. (2021). Osteosarcoma Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version. https://www.cancer.gov/types/bone/patient/osteosarcoma-treatment-pdq [5] National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2021). NCCN Guidelines: Osteosarcoma. https://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/bone_sarcoma.pdf
- The outlook for bone cancer can vary significantly depending on factors like the type, stage, and grade of the cancer, as well as the individual's age and overall health.
- In addition to bone pain, common symptoms of bone cancer may include fatigue, weight loss, and swelling in the affected area.
- Mental health, skin care, nutrition, and fitness and exercise can also play crucial roles in maintaining one's overall health and wellness, especially during cancer treatment.
- When bone cancer metastasizes to other organs, it can cause further symptoms such as difficulty breathing, and it's important to consult a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
- There are several types of primary bone cancer, each with different survival rates, such as osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, chordoma, and Ewing sarcoma, the 5-year relative survival rates for which are respectively 60-89%, 70-90%, 80-90%, and cancer stage-dependent.
