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The Curious Bag
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According to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, bone cancer is defined as a cancer that forms in the cells of bones. Bone cancer is typically referred to as sarcoma. A rare form of cancer, it currently affects an estimated 2,300 people annually.
Cause
According to the Cancer Treatment Centers for America, it is not known what exactly causes bone cancer.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of bone cancer is pain the bones. Other common symptoms include weakened bones, tenderness or swelling around the source of the cancer, fevers, chills, night sweats, fatigue and unintentional weight loss.
Types
Osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma, two types of bone cancer, primarily affect the bone tissue. Chondrosarcoma affects the cartilage in the pelvis, upper legs and shoulders.
Age
Osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma affect people ages 10 to 25, whereas chondrosarcoma affects people over age 50.
Risk Factors
Inherited genetic syndromes, such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome, can increase the risk of developing bone cancer. According to the Mayo Clinic, Paget's disease of the bone and previously having received radiation therapy for cancer are also significant risk factors.
Treatment
Doctors may elect to remove the affected limb, part of the affected bone or only the tumor to prevent it from spreading, depending on where the cancer is located. Radiation and chemotherapy are also used.
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