Oncological bone diseases are relatively rare in modern medical practice. Such diseases are diagnosed only in 1% of cases of cancerous lesions of the body. But many people are interested in questions about why this disease occurs and what is the main symptom of bone cancer. After all, the sooner a diagnosis is made and treatment is started, the higher the chances of a successful recovery.
Cancer of the skeleton and the causes of their occurrence
Unfortunately, the causes of primary malignant degeneration of bone and cartilage cells are still under investigation. Nevertheless, there is evidence that genetic heredity matters in this case. In particular, genetic diseases such as Lee-Fowman and Rotmund-Thomson syndromes increase the risk of bone damage.
Oncological diseases, on the other hand, can also develop under the influence of external factors. In approximately 40% of cases, cancer of the skeleton develops after injuries and bone fractures. Malignant degeneration is caused by exposure to the body of radioactive radiation, as well as poisoning by compounds of strontium and radium. Some people have developed cancer after a bone marrow transplant.
Classification of bone cancer
In oncological diseases of the skeleton, a tumor develops either from bone or cartilage structures. In addition, the disease can be both primary and secondary. Primary cancer is most often diagnosed at a young and even childhood age. Secondary tumors are metastases formed by the migration of malignant cells from other places in the body.
Bone metastases are possible with hemangioma, lipoma, reticulosarcoma, fibrosarcoma, etc.
In addition, bone tumors can be either benign or malignant (this is important, as the main symptom of bone cancer will depend on the nature of the neoplasm):
- A benign tumor has clear boundaries and most often the correct form. Such a neoplasm is considered relatively safe, since it does not give metastasis, although in some cases the cells can degenerate. Cell division processes and tumor growth are slow. Such diseases include osteoma and chondroma.
- Malignant neoplasms are characterized by rapid and aggressive growth. The tumor has no clear boundaries and easily grows into the surrounding tissue. Such diseases are often accompanied by metastasis and end with the death of the patient.
Benign bone tumors and their symptoms
It is worth noting that most often such a disease is diagnosed at a young age (20 - 30 years), moreover, men are more susceptible to it than women. As already mentioned, benign neoplasms are less dangerous, but this does not mean that treatment is not required here. So what is the first
symptom of bone
cancer ?
In fact, the initial stages of the disease in most cases are asymptomatic. Only at later stages can any external signs appear. In particular, sometimes on the bones you can feel an uncharacteristic seal, which is perfectly felt through the skin. But pain rarely appears - the only exceptions are those cases when the neoplasm is greatly increased in size, pinching nerve fibers or blood vessels.
Sometimes the tumor grows so much that it is visible to the naked eye. But, importantly, the skin over the neoplasm does not change.
What are the symptoms of bone cancer?
The appearance of a malignant tumor is characterized by a more aggressive course, therefore, the clinical picture here is more pronounced. Pain is the main symptom of bone cancer. Patients often complain of drawing and aching pains, which can either be localized in the affected area or spread to other parts of the body (for example, when the shoulder is damaged, pain can occur in the arm).
The intensive growth of malignant neoplasms and the spread of metastases leads to exhaustion of the body, the occurrence of weakness, a sharp decrease in weight. As in the previous case, the tumor can sometimes be felt through the skin, but it does not have clear boundaries. The skin over the affected area of the skeleton becomes pale and thin, and a translucent venous network gives the fabrics a marble pattern.
Foot bone cancer: symptoms and features
In approximately 60% of cases, patients with bone cancer are diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma. This is a malignant tumor that most often affects the tubular bones of the leg. A similar disease is diagnosed in adolescents and young people aged 10 to 25 years. In particular, such a neoplasm develops during a period of intensive growth and puberty, and boys are more prone to this disease.
As a rule, a tumor forms in the growth zone, for example near the knee or at the lower end of the femur. Constant pain, which intensifies when walking, temporary lameness, weakness and a sharp decrease in weight are the main symptoms of leg bone cancer. If untreated, metastasis is observed, and the lungs are primarily affected.
Pelvic cancer: symptoms and description of the disease
Pelvic bones are most often affected by Jung's
malignant sarcoma . This disease is characterized by a malignant course, rapid tumor growth and the spread of malignant cells throughout the body. As a rule, young people at the age of 20 are more susceptible to the disease, although its occurrence is also possible in old age.
The disease is accompanied by characteristic symptoms. Cancer of the pelvic bones is accompanied by pain in the pelvic and thigh areas, which often spread to the entire lower limb. Soreness greatly complicates movement, so you can notice that when walking a sick person is very lame.
Cancer Treatment Methods
There are many methods used to treat skeletal cancers. The choice of therapy here depends on the nature and size of the tumor, as well as its location and the presence of metastases. A good effect can be achieved using radiation and chemotherapy. Ionizing rays, as well as chemical aggressive substances, adversely affect the malignant cells of the tumor, eliminating not only the primary formation, but also its metastases.
In more severe cases, surgical intervention is required. Surgical treatment comes down to removing the affected parts of the bone and replacing them with metal implants. Naturally, further after the removal of the tumor, an additional course of chemistry or radiation therapy is necessary to neutralize the malignant structures remaining in the body.
What are the prognoses for patients with bone cancer?
Many patients are interested in how much they live with bone cancer. There is no definite answer to this question, since everything here depends on the nature of the disease, the stage of its development, the presence of metastases and the quality of the therapy. As a rule, benign neoplasms can be cured relatively quickly. Malignant diseases are much more difficult to treat. Nevertheless, with the correct treatment, it is possible to achieve the stage of prolonged remission (about five years). If the patient turned to the doctor at the last stage of the disease, when the tumor has already managed to give metastases to vital organs, the prognoses are not so favorable.