Cancer in the bones (osseous): what is it, symptoms and types

Cancer in the bones is a tumor that originates from abnormal cells produced in the bone tissue or can develop cancer cells in other organs, such as breast, lung and prostate, which characterizes metastasis. There are several types of cancer in the bones, but the symptoms tend to be very similar, and there may be pain and swelling in the joints and frequent and easy to occur fractures, which are known as pathological fractures.

The diagnosis is performed by an orthopedist or oncologist through tests such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging, computerized tomography, PET scan (positron emission tomography) and bone biopsy. The treatment for cancer in the skin can be performed with chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery, depending on the size, type and location of the tumor in the skin.

main symptoms

The most common symptoms of cancer in the huesos include:

• Pain in the eyes: normally, in the beginning and the pain is not constant, but it can be very intense during the night or when the legs change, as in the walk, for example;
• Hinchazón de las articulaciones: a lump can appear in the joints, increasing pain and discomfort, especially in the joints and joints;
• Huesos that fracture easily: pathological fractures can occur, which when the bones are broken with greater ease thanks to the fragility caused by the tumor, being the most common fractures of the femur or column.

Apart from these signs of cancer, the tumor can cause weight loss for no apparent reason, intense tiredness and constant fever. In the event that the cancer spreads to other organs, such as the lungs, it can cause other more specific symptoms, such as difficulty breathing.

How to confirm the diagnosis

When the doctor looks for an injury in the skin, he may request the realization of X-rays, the X-ray can show if there is any defect in the skin or in the nearby tissues, such as muscles or grease. In certain cases, the doctor may also request a chest X-ray to assess whether the cancer has spread to the lungs, only when the diagnosis is confirmed.

The magnetic resonance imaging is the most recommended exam by the doctor to confirm the cancer in the bones and to define the size and the extension of the tumor, but the computerized tomography and the PET scan can also be recommended, as it can be shown in other areas of the body are affected by the illness. Asimismo, the biopsy of the hueso is also performed in conjunction with other imaging exams, showing the type of abnormal cells that are causing the cancer.

What are the types of cancers in the huesos

There are different types of cancer in the skin, which depend on the affected part of the body, tissue and type of cell that forms the tumor, such as:

• Osteosarcoma: it is the type of cancer that develops from the cells responsible for the formation of the bones, occurs mainly in the bones of the arms, legs and pelvis, being more common in the age range between 10 and 30 years;
• Chondrosarcoma: it starts in the cells that form the cartilage, it is the second most common type of bone cancer and is unusual in people under 20 years of age;
• Ewing’s Sarcoma: It can appear in children and teenagers, it is unusual in adults over 30 years old and the most affected parts are the bones of the pelvic region and the wide bones of the piernas and arms;
• Malignant fibrous histiocytoma: this type of bone cancer starts in the ligaments and tendons that are located around the bones, being more common in people of the third age;
• Fibrosarcoma: It is also a type of bone cancer that develops from soft tissues, known as ligaments and tendons;
• Giant cell tumor of the hueso: it can be benign or malignant and generally affects the region of las rodillas;
• Chordoma: it develops more frequently in adults over 30 years of age and affects the bones of the skull and vertebral column.

Similarly, bone cancer always starts in the bone cells, often occurring as a result of metastasis of an advanced cancer in another organ, such as breast, prostate and lung cancer, for example.

How is the treatment performed?

The treatment for cancer in the skin is indicated by the oncologist and depends on the type of tumor, size and location, being usually indicated for chemotherapy, radiotherapy and, in certain cases, surgery to remove the tumor .

In the most serious cases, it is necessary to amputate the affected limb, maintaining, if possible, the maximum of its functionality, depending on the case, an endoprosthesis can be manufactured, which is a prosthesis that serves to replace the bone that was removed.

However, when cancer in the huesos is in a very advanced stage, what usually occurs is a metastasis and the most common treatment is called palliative care, which are successful to guarantee the quality of life of the person, with the objective to reduce the pain with analgesic drugs, and the discomfort caused by the symptoms of cancer.