It is a type of cancer that occurs as a result of uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the bones. It usually manifests itself with symptoms such as pain, swelling and weakness in the bones. It can be benign or malignant. Primary bone cancer, It develops directly from bone cells. Secondary bone cancer occurs when cancer spreads from another part of the body to the bone. Treatment can be done with surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
What are the symptoms of bone cancer?
The most common symptom is bone pain. Initially mild, the pain can become severe over time. It becomes more noticeable, especially at night. A swelling or mass may be seen in the cancerous area. This swelling may grow over time and become noticeable on the skin surface. Cancer can weaken the bone structure, causing it to break easily even during normal activities.
In cases where the cancer is close to the joints, movement becomes difficult or the joints become stiff. In advanced cases, general weight loss and fatigue are also among the symptoms. In advanced stages, some patients may also experience night sweats and fever. Bone cancer It is important to consult a specialist when any of the symptoms appear, because early diagnosis can increase the chance of success in treatment.
What Causes Bone Cancer?
In the family bone cancer or other types of cancer may increase the risk of developing. Some genetic syndromes in particular are among the risk factors. Exposure to high doses of radiation and receiving radiotherapy treatment during childhood increase the risk. Bone diseases such as Paget's disease may increase the risk in advanced age. The risk increases in people exposed to treatment methods such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Conditions where the immune system is weak may increase the risk. Although these factors increase the risk, bone cancer It is a rare type of cancer and in most cases the exact cause cannot be determined.
How Is Bone Cancer Diagnosed?
The doctor evaluates symptoms such as swelling, pain, and abnormal movement. The patient's medical history and bone cancer symptoms are detailed information is obtained. X-rays are widely used to visualize tumors in the bone. Abnormal structures or lesions in the bone can be seen on X-rays. Computerized tomography (CT) provides more detailed images of bones and tumors. It provides information about the size of the tumor and its spread to surrounding tissues. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides detailed images of soft tissue and bone structures. The spread of the tumor within the bone and its effect on surrounding tissues are evaluated.
Positron emission tomography (PET) is used to show the spread and activity of cancer in the body. PET scan detects high metabolic activity of cancer cells. Scintigraphy is used to evaluate the general condition of the bones and the spread of cancer. A biopsy is required for a definitive diagnosis. A tissue sample taken by needle or surgical biopsy is examined in the laboratory. The presence and type of cancer are determined. These methods are combined bone cancer diagnosis is made and a treatment plan is created. Early diagnosis increases the success of the treatment.
How Is Bone Cancer Treated?
Surgery is the most common treatment method. The goal is to remove the cancerous bone and surrounding healthy tissue in the area where the tumor is located. In some cases, the entire bone may need to be removed. The bone is then rebuilt using prosthetics or bone grafts. Radiotherapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. It can be used before or after surgery to shrink the tumor or destroy any remaining cancerous cells.
Chemotherapy is a drug treatment used to kill cancer cells. It is usually used before surgery to shrink a tumor or to prevent cancer from spreading throughout the body. It is especially used in some types of cancer, such as osteosarcoma. bone cancer It can be effective in all types. Targeted therapy uses drugs that target protein changes in cancer cells. This treatment targets cancer cells more specifically and causes less damage to healthy cells. Immunotherapy uses drugs that strengthen the immune system to fight cancer cells. This treatment aims to control cancer by strengthening the body's natural defense mechanism. Treatment is determined by a multidisciplinary team according to the patient's specific condition.
