What is bone cancer?

As the supporting framework of the body, the bones provide structure and shape to the body, act as braces for muscles to produce movement, and protect internal organs. Most bones are hollow and consist of a hard outer portion (onto which calcium salts are deposited), a spongy inner tissue that contains bone marrow (which makes and stores blood cells), and cartilage at each end of the bone (which acts as a cushion between bones). The bone itself contains three types of cells: osteoblasts (which form new bone), osteocytes (which help maintain bone), and osteoclasts (which break down bone).

Primary bone cancer, or cancer that forms in the cells of bones, is rare. According to the American Cancer Society, primary bone cancers account for less than 0.2 percent of all cancers. While it can occur in any of the bones of the body, bone cancer occurs most often in the long bones of the arms and legs. Cancer that spreads (metastasizes) to the bone from another part of the body (e.g., breast, lung, prostate) is called secondary bone cancer. Under a microscope, these cancers resemble the tissue from which they originated.

Types of bone cancer

A cancer of the bone or soft tissue (e.g., muscles, cartilage, fat, connective tissue) is called a sarcoma. Primary bone cancers are sarcomas of the bone. Some common types of primary bone cancer include the following:

• Osteosarcoma develops in growing bone tissue
• Chondrosarcoma develops in cartilage
• Ewing's sarcoma develops in immature nerve tissue in bone marrow

Osteosarcoma and Ewing’s sarcoma tend to occur more frequently in children, adolescents and young adults between the ages of 10-25. Chondrosarcoma occurs more often in adults over 50. Some other types of primary bone tumors may include malignant fibrous histiocytomas, giant cell tumors, chordomas, and more.

Where can you find comprehensive treatment for bone cancer?

The Orthopedic Oncology Program at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) provides specialty treatment for all primary bone and soft tissue sarcomas, as well as metastatic cancers that start somewhere else in the body and spread to the bone. Our cancer experts will do everything possible to fight bone cancer while also helping to relieve pain, preserve mobility, and improve your overall quality of life.

For more information on how we can help you fight bone cancer on all fronts, call CTCA today at 800-615-3055, or chat online. Our Oncology Information Specialists are available around the clock to help answer your questions.

Bone cancer symptoms

Bone cancer symptoms vary from person to person, depending on the location and size of the tumor, as well as other factors. The most common symptoms of bone cancer are pain and swelling in a bone or bone region (e.g., arms, legs, chest, back, ribs, pelvis). The pain may be worse at night or during activity, and can persist as the tumor grows.

Other bone cancer symptoms may include the following:

• Weakened bones
• Unexplained bone fractures
• Weight loss
• Fatigue, anemia (low red blood count)
• Night sweats, fever and/or chills
• Shortness of breath

NOTE: Some of these symptoms may be caused by conditions other than bone cancer. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor.

Bone cancer diagnosis and staging

If tests show that bone cancer is present, your doctor will need to know the stage (extent) of the cancer to plan the best treatment. The process of staging bone cancer is based on several factors, including tumor size, location, type, and grade (how aggressive the cancer is), and the presence or absence of metastasis. A commonly used system for staging bone cancer is called the TNM system, based on the size or extent of the tumor (T), the extent of spread to the lymph nodes (N), the presence of metastasis or spread (M), and the grade. The stages of bone cancer can range from 0 to IV.

Your doctor may use the following tests to diagnose and stage bone cancer:

• Physical examination to test muscle strength and reflexes
• Blood tests (e.g., CBC) to determine the level of a certain enzyme indicating the production of abnormal bone tissue
• Imaging tests (e.g., X-ray, PET/CT scan, MRI, bone scan) to show the location, size and shape of the bone tumor
• Biopsy (e.g., needle, incisional) to remove a sample of tissue from the bone tumor. This test can help determine whether it is a primary or secondary bone cancer.

How does CTCA customize bone cancer treatment?

At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), our team of expert doctors and technologists use sophisticated bone cancer detection tools to accurately determine the location and stage of the disease. Using this information, your CTCA care team will develop an individualized treatment plan for you. We understand you may be feeling overwhelmed with questions and concerns about your diagnosis and what it all means. We are here to present you with options and empower you to make informed decisions about your care.

To learn more about how we deliver personalized bone cancer treatment plans, call CTCA today at 800-615-3055, or chat online. Our Oncology Information Specialists are available around the clock to help answer your questions.

Bone cancer treatments

Treatment for bone cancer depends on many factors, including the location, size, type, grade, and stage of the tumor, as well as your age, general health, and other factors. Treatments may be used alone or in combination. The goal of treatment may be to remove the cancer and/or to relieve symptoms.

The following are some bone cancer treatments:

• Surgery involves removing the tumor and surrounding area of normal bone
• Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells
• Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells
• Biotherapy/Immunotherapy uses the body’s own immune system to fight bone cancer and/or to lessen certain treatment-related side effects

What bone cancer treatments does CTCA offer?

At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), we provide a powerful combination of traditional and new, innovative therapies to fight all forms of bone cancer. The CTCA Orthopedic Oncology Program provides specialized surgical procedures, including excisions, joint replacement, limb salvage surgery, bone grafting, rodding, implants, reconstructive surgery, palliative surgery, and more. In addition to surgery, some of the other bone cancer treatments you may receive include various forms radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy. Our cancer experts also address orthopedic problems (e.g., arthritis, osteoporosis) that may occur alongside cancer.

At CTCA, we also understand that caring for you means caring for all of you. In addition to the therapies described above, CTCA enriches your care by offering complementary medicine therapies, such as nutrition therapy, naturopathic medicine, oncology rehabilitation, mind-body medicine, and spiritual counseling.

If you are looking for advanced, whole-person bone cancer treatment options, you have come to the right place. Call CTCA today at 800-615-3055, or chat online. Our Oncology Information Specialists are available around the clock to help answer your questions.

Finding specialists in bone cancer

To fight bone cancer, it is important to surround yourself with a multidisciplinary team of specialists who are experienced in treating tumors of the musculoskeletal system. For instance, orthopedic oncologists are orthopedic surgeons with formal, advanced training in bone and soft tissue sarcomas, including an additional fellowship following a residency training program. Because of the rarity of primary bone tumors, there is a limited number of orthopedic oncologists in the country. In addition to oncologists, your healthcare team should also include specialists from other areas, such as nutrition and rehabilitation, to address your other needs throughout treatment.

What doctors will you find on the bone cancer team at CTCA?

At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), you will have a multidisciplinary team of cancer experts assigned specifically to you. Our physicians are committed to exploring every bone cancer treatment option available to you. In addition to their medical expertise, our physicians provide attentive, compassionate care.

The Orthopedic Oncology Program at CTCA is led by esteemed orthopedic oncologist, Dr. Richard Schmidt, who specializes in bone reconstruction and limb sparing surgery. The orthopedic oncology team collaborates with medical and radiation oncologists, pathologists, oncology rehabilitation therapists, and other specialists to determine an appropriate combination of treatments for you. Other members of your care team may include oncology nutritionists, naturopathic clinicians, mind-body therapists, and even pastoral care staff.

If you are looking for an expert care team willing to fight bone cancer with you every step of the way, call CTCA today at 800-615-3055, or chat online. Our Oncology Information Specialists are available around the clock to help answer your questions.

The importance of personalized cancer treatment

Bone cancer affects each person differently. Aside from finding a team of bone cancer specialists, it is also important that your care team is intimately familiar with your diagnosis and unique needs. In order for this to happen, your care team needs to take time to listen to you, answer your questions, and give you a voice in your care.

How does CTCA personalize your care?

As a patient at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), your care team will work closely with you. When you first arrive, each clinical area provides an individual assessment. Then, they work with you to develop a customized treatment plan that best suits your needs. Throughout your bone cancer treatment, your care team will communicate openly with you and encourage you to participate in making decisions about your treatment.

It’s all part of our Patient Empowerment Medicine^SM (PEM) philosophy of care. It means we put you first and empower you with options, information and support the way you need it. Furthermore, since they reside in one location, members of your care team are able to collaborate regularly with each other to provide you with the best coordinated care possible.

If you are interested in having a bone cancer treatment plan that is personalized to your needs, call CTCA today at 800-615-3055, or chat online. Our Oncology Information Specialists are available around the clock to help answer your questions.

How does CTCA help you take the next steps?

We understand you might be feeling overwhelmed by what’s ahead. At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), we handle all of the details for you to make your arrival at one of our hospitals as convenient and stress-free as possible. And, once you get here, all of your care is handled under one roof, with reduced wait times for appointments and test results.

CTCA hospitals offer a welcoming, positive environment of hope and healing, where you can connect with other cancer survivors. When your bone cancer treatment is complete, our After Care nurses help you develop a plan for maintaining your health and taking the next steps in recovery.

To start your journey of healing and hope, call CTCA today at 800-615-3055, or chat online. Our Oncology Information Specialists are available around the clock to help answer your questions.