Unlike other tumors, primary bone cancer does not appear as a result of metastasis. Bone cancer most often affects the areas closest to the knee joint.
You may have already heard about a disease called primary bone cancer. Very often, when it comes to cancer, there comes a time when malignant cells affect bone tissue, but this is called secondary or metastatic bone cancer. This happens due to the growth and development of a tumor that reaches the bone structure of the body.
However, in last years According to medical statistics, cases of detection of so-called “primary bone cancer”, that is, tumors that form directly in bone tissue, have become more frequent.
It should be noted that the survival rate of patients with this disease is quite high, provided that it was diagnosed in the early stages. Hence the importance of preventive measures and good awareness. Even despite the severity of the disease, there are also positive aspects, namely, that it makes itself felt with very characteristic pain sensations.
Let's take a closer look at all this!
What is primary bone cancer?
Primary bone cancer is not as common, and therefore not as well known, as other types of cancer (such as breast or colon cancer). But this does not make it any less dangerous, and the symptoms are often confused with other health problems, which is why it is so important to be well informed.
So, bone cancer affects our skeleton, and, as a rule, in most cases these are areas close to the knee joint (tibia and thigh). This does not apply to secondary cancer, that is, one that is a consequence of the presence of metastases from the primary tumor. Primary bone cancer can be of three types:
- Osteosarcoma: the most common type, which, unfortunately, mainly affects adolescents who are in the stage of active physical growth. This tumor appears in new, developing bone tissue.
- Chondrosarcoma: Most often affects people between the ages of 40 and 60 and forms in cartilage.
- Ewing's sarcoma: typical for children younger age, in which the nerve tissue is still immature, which can lead to the appearance of small sarcomas in the bone marrow. Here one should take into account hereditary predisposition and the fact that the development of the disease can be prevented; radiotherapy, for example, gives good results.
Symptoms of primary bone cancer
In today's article we will focus on a type of bone cancer that is typical for adults, namely chondrosarcoma. As noted earlier, its symptoms can be confused with those of other diseases (inflammation, arthritis, osteoporosis...), so it is very important to identify some of the characteristic features of its symptoms.
Severe localized pain
- Sometimes there are days when my knees hurt more than usual. We associate this with fatigue and try to solve the problem with the help of anti-inflammatory and painkillers. Here you need to know that with oncology, namely with primary bone cancer, the pain will be much more acute.
- Particular attention should be paid to the knee joint, thigh and lower leg, since in 70% of cases chondrosarcoma is concentrated in these places.
Increased sensitivity
- The pain we feel is so strong that sometimes even a light touch of a hand or clothing to the painful area becomes unbearable. In this case, there is a burning sensation, and medications do not bring much relief.
Severe inflammation
When a tumor forms in a bone or joint, as it grows, the surrounding tissues are gradually affected. As a result, you may notice a characteristic lump, thickening or swelling that should alert you. And this is no longer just inflammation, that is, when pressed, you will feel a much firmer texture than if it were ordinary swelling due to arthritis, for example.
Increased body temperature
- Almost always, oncology is accompanied by an increase in body temperature. As you can see, the symptoms are quite obvious, it is impossible not to pay attention to it, which means it should be considered as something positive that will help us see a doctor as early as possible, diagnose the disease in the early stages of its development and cope with it.
- Just don't self-medicate. It is very important not to try to mask symptoms with strong drugs. medicines and don’t hide from information, you need to be aware of what’s really happening to your body.
Possible bone fractures
- Bone fractures usually occur more than late stages when the tumor has already weakened the bone so much that cracks and tissue tears appear. But until this moment, the body will demonstrate to you more than once that something is wrong: sharp pain, excessive fatigue and fatigue, inflammation, heat bodies.
- This is why it is so important to be very attentive to all these signals. Bone cancer is not such a common occurrence, but the danger is that it can be confused with other diseases and not go to the doctor in time (with the appearance of the first symptoms). Watch your knees and always try to get qualified medical care, if you have any suspicions, this will help rule out and prevent serious problems.
And remember what this is terrible disease, diagnosed in the early stages and with appropriate treatment, has a very good prognosis for full recovery. Take care of yourself, because no one can do it better than you!
Bone cancer – tumor process primary or secondary genesis, affecting the human skeletal system in a certain way. In the structure of malignant oncological processes, this form of the disease occupies a small share - about 1%. Bone cancer in any shape or form is prone to rapid growth and is considered one of the most dangerous pathologies in modern oncology.
Bone cancer is difficult to diagnose - patients themselves notice the symptoms and manifestations of the disease later stages. There are primary and secondary forms of the disease. If there is a cancer focus in the body, there is always a danger that sooner or later cancer cells will begin to travel throughout the body by lymphogenous and hematogenous routes.
Malignant elements can settle in the bones of the skeleton in any area. IN in this case We are talking about a secondary form of the oncological process. However, there will be no symptoms of bone cancer for a long time. If the primary focus of pathology is detected, all efforts will be aimed at eliminating it, and bone oncology will be ignored.
Primary bone cancer also causes visible symptoms at fairly late stages of development. In this case, neoplasms are formed directly from the cells of the bones themselves. The basis for the oncological process can be anything: bone structures, cartilage, periosteum.
Atypical cells begin to grow rapidly, divide uncontrollably, and each new fraction of malignant elements has an abnormal structure and is unable to perform any functions. Over time, a growth forms. The first obvious symptoms of bone and joint cancer appear.
Malignant and benign form of pathology
Whatever the symptoms of bone cancer, all forms of the disease are divided into two categories: benign and malignant bone tumors. We can speak of a benign nature if the formed tumor is surrounded by healthy tissue. This means that pathological tissue growth will occur rather slowly.
Malignant cancer manifests itself as growths on the bones various shapes and localization, the tumor borders are uneven and prone to rapid growth. The first signs of bone cancer in the form of visual deformation of bone surfaces become noticeable quite early. This is due to the fact that cancer tissue grows very quickly.
It has been noted that leg bone cancer occurs at a younger age. In elderly people, pathological growths of the skull bones are often found. The cancer process most often affects men. People over 40 with many years of experience as smokers are at particular risk.
Causes leading to bone cancer
The main unfavorable factor that causes bone cancer is radiation (over 60 gray). The oncological process in bone structures can even occur at the time of intense radiation during the treatment of other forms of tumors. It is worth noting that a regular X-ray machine does not pose such a danger.
When studying what bone cancer is and what provokes it, it is worth highlighting the following unfavorable circumstances and conditions: 
- Previous trauma (often cancer) bone tissue found where there once was a fracture or other type of damage);
- Genetic predisposition (bone cancer with all symptoms and manifestations is more often diagnosed in people with Li-Fraumeni syndrome);
- Pathologies in which the process of restoration of damaged bones or cartilage is disrupted (Paget's disease);
- Transplant operations bone marrow transferred earlier (any statute of limitations);
- DNA mutations of unknown etiology;
- Long-term chronic diseases musculoskeletal system.
Main types and features of cancerous bone pathologies
Bone cancer has many variants and varieties. It was previously mentioned that neoplasms can be benign or malignant. Let's consider the most common types of pathological process.
This is a benign form of pathology. Let's take a closer look at how bone cancer manifests itself in the vast majority of cases.
The course is usually favorable. The tumor conglomerate grows very slowly and is not prone to metastasis. It does not grow into adjacent tissues. Also, osteoma is not prone to metastasis.
There are no symptoms of bone cancer at an early stage. Usually, in the initial stages, a neoplasm is discovered by chance. The disease is most often found in patients young(from 5 to 20 years).
Osteomas are characterized by hyperplasticity and heteroplasticity. Osteomas and osteophytes are localized on the outer surfaces of bone elements.
The most common cancer is the femur, tibia, brachial structures, as well as frontal and maxillary sinuses. Osteomas are characterized by a solitary nature. Multiple forms of the disease are rare. We are talking about Gardner's disease, as a type of cancer, and congenital osteomas that affect the bones of the skull in different areas.
This bone cancer causes symptoms only if the tumors begin to put intense pressure on the nerve endings or blood vessels located nearby.
How bone cancer manifests itself and what symptoms arise will depend on which structures are compressed by the tumor conglomerate. Treatment is exclusively surgical.
A benign neoplasm is represented by a single small tumor (no more than 10 mm). Bone cancer in the image is characterized by clear, expressive edges, located on the bones of the skeleton. Favorite location for cancer is femur. There are no symptoms of damage for a long time.
Also, pathological conglomerates are often found in tibia. Treatment for bone cancer is exclusively surgical methods. The prognosis is favorable. This type of neoplasm is not susceptible to recurrence.
This type Benign neoplasms are quite rare. The most common form is cancer of the ilium. Long tubular skeletal elements are often affected.
In the vast majority of cases, the outcome is favorable. However, in rare cases, atypical cells are prone to malignancy.
Cases of relapses after surgery are also recorded.
Signs of chondromyxoid bone cancer are typical for bone cancer pathologies. Severe pain can occur in the early stages of the formation of an oncological conglomerate, which makes it possible to quickly identify bone cancer. Diagnosis of advanced forms is simple, as characteristic clinical features are present.
In advanced forms of fibroma, in addition to bone deformation, pronounced atrophy of the muscle tissue is observed. If pathological process develops on the bones of the upper or lower limb; joints may also suffer. For example, chondromyxoid cancer of the leg bone will manifest itself with symptoms of arthrosis or even ankylosis.
gigantic cell tumor – benign neoplasm. This type of oncology is characterized by a hereditary predisposition. It occurs in both men and women at different ages. Most often, the disease occurs in young people aged 20–30 years.
The most common form is cancer of the pelvic bones and long tubular bones.
The favorite location is the epimetaphyseal region.
Primary benign tumor prone to malignancy at any stage of development. In addition, cancer humerus and some tubular elements may be from the very beginning of a malignant nature.
Bone tissue is quickly destroyed. It is worth considering in detail what such bone cancer looks like. The composition of an oncological formation is formed by multinucleated cells gigantic size, as well as unicellular formations. The origin of the atypical cells still remains unknown.
The first signs of giant cell bone cancer appear in the later stages. The pain is moderate, aching. It is because of this “blurring” that symptoms are ignored, attributed to fatigue and other illnesses.
In the later stages, severe swelling of the bone elements is noted. Stage 4 bone cancer is burdened by metastasis processes. Atypical cells can migrate over long distances through veins. The “classical” location of secondary lesions is the lungs.
Moreover, no matter where the metastases are located, their nature almost always remains benign. The problem is that atypical elements have the ability to produce bone tissue, regardless of where they are located.
Considering bone cancer even at stage 4, answering the question of how long people live with such a disease, in the case of a benign nature, the prognosis is always positive. However, if the disease is malignant, a threat to life is observed already in the initial stages of the development of the disease.
One of bright examples- Ewing's sarcoma.
Let's look at how this cancer manifests itself. The pathological process is always malignant. Locations of tumors – lower segment tubular bones, spine, ribs, shoulder blades. Pelvic bone cancer is so common. Symptoms and manifestations of the oncological process usually occur at the stage of extensive metastasis of the body.
A connection has been proven between bone injury and the rapid development of the oncological process in the affected area. Metastases are most often recorded in the bone marrow, lungs and liver. Elements of the central nervous system are often affected.
Osteogenic type sarcoma is a malignant form of the disease. Atypical cells are formed from bone elements. Throughout their development, they guard the ability to produce additional bone elements.
Sarcoma can be sclerotic, osteolytic, or mixed.
X-rays can be used to determine the degree of development of bone cancer, the shape of the tumor, and its nature. Sarcoma is characterized by rapid development. A tumor, even at its earliest stages, is already capable of generating a large number of metastases.
The favorite place for localization of the oncological process is the pelvic bones and elements of the lower extremities. The bones of the skull are affected mainly in children, as well as in patients of advanced age (after 65 years).
This malignant form a tumor that most often “attacks” the skeleton. The cancer conglomerate is based on cartilage tissue. Cancer forms in flat bones. The disease can progress rapidly.
We need to talk about the danger of the tumor itself from the point of view of its degree of malignancy:
- First degree - the tumor contains elements of chondroitin. Chondroocytes are found in small numbers. There are no mitotic figures;
- Second degree. It is based on a mycosid intercellular substance. Cells accumulate predominantly on the periphery of the lobules;
- Third degree. There are many cells with several nuclei. The intercellular substance is completely absent.
The higher the grade, the greater the likelihood of metastasis. Another characteristic feature of this pathological process is the tendency to frequent relapses, even if the cancer was detected and treated in the early stages.
Key aspects of bone cancer treatment
Treatment of bone cancer is carried out with surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Plays a huge role timely diagnosis benign and malignant cancer bones.
In the initial stages surgery carried out in such a way as to preserve the damaged organ. If we are talking about stage 4 bone cancer, then only radical amputation of the limb is possible.
Radiation is used to treat Ewing's sarcoma and reticulosarcoma. Osteogenic tumors, chondrosarcoma and tumors of angiotic origin are not irradiated. There is no therapeutic value in this. Chemotherapy is carried out before and after tumor resection.
Forecasts
The earlier the disease was detected, the better the treatment, the better the prognosis. The five-year survival rate of patients with osteosarcoma is 54%, with chondrosarcoma - over 75%, fibrosarcoma - 76%. The life expectancy of detected metastases is significantly reduced.
Patients are followed up by oncologists after discharge. It is important to carry out timely preventive examinations. Patients must follow all recommendations of specialists.
Bone cancer is an oncological pathology characterized by the development malignant neoplasm. Tumors come in several types, differing from each other in the characteristics of their course. The disease is diagnosed quite rarely.
Classification of pathology
Bone tumors are divided into several classifications. First of all, it is worth noting that the neoplasm can be primary, that is, develop independently, or secondary, that is, be a metastasis from a tumor located in any internal organ.
Bone cancer is also classified into the following types:
- Ewing's sarcoma. The pathology affects the bone skeleton. Children aged 10-15 years most often suffer from this type of cancer. The neoplasm develops rapidly, metastasizes, and is considered the most aggressive form cancer.
- Osteogenic sarcoma. Malignant cells are formed at the expense of bone tissue. People facing illness different ages. A malignant bone tumor also metastasizes early and progresses rapidly.
- Parosteal sarcoma. It is rare, characterized by slow development and low level of aggressiveness. Most often it affects the knee joint.
- Chondrosarcoma. It is diagnosed frequently and affects more elderly patients. Basis cancer cells is cartilage tissue.
- Chordoma. It is characterized by a slow course, practically does not metastasize, but is prone to relapses and the development of complications.
Causes
To date, only the factors that provoke the development of bone cancer are known. These include:
- Hereditary pathologies.
- Precancerous bone conditions. Most often this is Paget's disease, which leads to the proliferation of bone tissue. Occurs in people over 50 years of age.
- The effect of intense radiation on the body.
- Bone marrow transplantation.
- Benign bone tumors.
- Bone damage.
Exact cause malignant tumor bones unknown. Scientists are still working on this issue, conducting various Scientific research. There is an assumption that degeneration occurs due to changes in the DNA of cells.
Symptoms
The first symptom of bone cancer is the manifestation of pain at the location of the tumor when it is pressed. The manifestation occurs already in the middle stage of the disease. The patient can already feel the tumor in the affected area.
As the pathology develops, the pain itself becomes a concern. At first it is weak in intensity, then becomes stronger. It is characterized by rapid appearance and disappearance. The soreness is aching or dull.
Intensifying pain syndrome at night, and also after physical activity. Pain can be localized not only at the site of the lesion, but also radiate to nearby parts of the body.
Besides pain Symptoms of bone cancer include the following:
- Limited joint movement.
- Swelling in the affected areas.
- Abdominal pain.
- Nausea.
- Frequent bone fractures.
- Swelling of soft tissues.
There are also general signs bone cancer, not specifically characteristic of the development of oncology. These include intense weight loss, general weakness, rapid fatigue, and decreased appetite.
If the process of metastasis begins, then symptoms and signs of bone cancer appear, indicating a disruption in the functioning of one or another organ. For example, with metastases in the lungs, the patient suffers from breathing problems, in the brain - dizziness, headache, digestive organs- stool disorders.
Diagnostics
Often a bone tumor is detected accidentally during an x-ray when other diseases are suspected or due to injury. After all, symptoms may not manifest themselves for a long time, which interferes with the timely detection of the tumor.
If you suspect the development of a bone tumor, the doctor prescribes the following diagnostic measures:
- Laboratory blood test.
- Radiography.
- Computed and magnetic resonance imaging.
- Ultrasonography.
- Biopsy with histology.
This complex of cancer diagnostics allows you to accurately determine whether bone tumors have a malignant course, where exactly they are located, what their type, size and shape are.
Therapeutic measures
Treatment for bone cancer is prescribed depending on the stage and type of pathology. The following therapeutic measures are used:
- Surgical intervention. During the operation, the doctor removes the tumor along with adjacent healthy tissue. In case of extensive damage to the legs, arms or jaw, amputation is required, after which the issue of prosthetics is decided.
- Radiation therapy. The procedure involves the impact of rays on the lesion, which leads to the death of cancer cells. This treatment for bone cancer has minimal impact healthy tissue, which allows you to avoid serious side effects. Depending on the development of oncology, external or internal irradiation is used.
- Chemical therapy. It involves the destruction of cells with aggressive drugs, most often injected into the blood. Active substances drugs spread throughout the body, therefore they also negatively affect healthy cells. As a result, the patient experiences adverse reactions that can be quite severe.
Surgery does not absolutely guarantee that bone tumors will not develop again. Therefore, radiation or chemical therapy is prescribed after the tumor is removed to kill the remaining malignant cells.
Alternative medicine methods
As additional method used in the fight against bone cancer folk remedies. They help eliminate the symptoms of bone and joint cancer, improve the patient's overall well-being, eliminate the side effects of chemotherapy and activate the immune system.
Hemlock tincture is excellent in treating cancerous tumors in the bones. To prepare it, you need to chop the stems and leaves, fill 1/3 of a three-liter jar with them, and fill with vodka to the neck. Place the product in a dark place to infuse for 2 weeks.
On the first day of therapy, dissolve one drop in a glass of warm water and drink in the morning. On the second day, add two drops to the water, on the third – three. Continue to increase the dose daily until it reaches 40 drops. After this, you need to reduce the dosage according to the same scheme.
Available in folk medicine and topical agents:
- Bake the onion in the oven, mash it, add a little birch tar and “Star” balsam. Apply the product to the affected bone and bandage it. Carry out the procedure daily in the evening.
- Pour a handful of goldenrod with water, add a little lemon juice, and cook for 15 minutes. Soak gauze in the resulting product, apply to the sore spot and insulate it on top.
Traditional medicines - helper method treatment of malignant disease. Under no circumstances should you refuse traditional medicine in favor of the home, since the latter is not capable of short time rid the body of cancer cells.
Prognosis and prevention
The prognosis for bone cancer is different for each patient. This depends on the stage of development of the pathology, its type, size, and the presence of metastasis. If the tumor is detected in a timely manner, most patients can live for more than 5 years. In the later stages, the prognosis worsens sharply. For stage 4 bone cancer, life expectancy is often several months.
Doctors do not know the exact cause of bone cancer, so they cannot give them recommendations on how to completely prevent this disease. But doctors strongly advise avoiding factors that can provoke the development of a tumor.
For this it is important to conduct healthy image life, exercise, avoid exposure to radiation and harmful substances. If any pathological processes occur in bone tissue or injuries occur, treatment should be started immediately.
Bone cancer – dangerous pathology where you can't waste a minute. Only treatment at an early stage will allow a person to recover and live many more happy years.
The human skeletal system is the strongest system of the body. But even the skeleton is not always able to resist cancer. They arise both independently, as a result of malignancy of bone tissue, and act as complications in benign tumors.
Causes malignant tumors bone tissue has not yet been fully studied. But some reasons that may affect the occurrence of cancer have been identified:
- genetic diseases: Rothmund or Li-Fraumeni syndrome, retinoblastoma:
- Paget's disease. Most often acts as a cause in people over 50 years of age;
- frequent and excessive exposure to ionizing radiation;
- bone marrow transplant surgery;
- bone tissue injuries;
- heredity.
In the course of research, scientists have found that only a small proportion of cancer occurs due to hereditary nature. The main role is played by acquired tissue changes.
Kinds
Depending on the location of the initial localization of the pathological process, three types of bone cancer are distinguished: those that form in bone tissue, cartilage and connective tissue.
Osteosarcoma
It is one of the most common types of cancer, the area of localization of which is bone tissue. This type of pathology mainly affects people from 10 to 30 years. Of these, there are twice as many men as women.
The disease begins its development in deep layers of bone, forming directly in tissue cells. As it grows, it replaces them with fibrous tissue. Osteosarcoma is different aggressive growth and rapid penetration into cartilage and connective tissue. If left untreated, it affects adjacent muscles and joints, leading to disruption of their structure and destruction.
The main feature of the pathology is that it begins quickly metastasize to distant areas: lungs and brain.
Symptoms of this type of disease are:
- localization of the tumor in bone apparatus lower limbs, the hips in the joint area are especially often affected;
- when the patient becomes ill, it is detected lameness and pain when moving. The more advanced the pathological process, the stronger the pain;
- determined on the x-ray sharply defined affected area.
Chondrosarcoma
This type of cancer affects cartilage tissue. The number of cases of chondrosarcoma out of all patients with bone cancer is only 15%. More than 60% of cases occur in age over 40 years.
The main cause of pathology is osteochondral exostosis or chondroma, where cancer manifests itself as a secondary form of the disease.
The affected area is within the pelvic bones, ribs and upper limbs. The pathology at the initial stage of development is practically asymptomatic. As the tumor grows, painful sensations in the affected area and limited movement, which can subsequently lead to complete immobilization inflamed part of the body.
Above the tumor location, the skin becomes reddish tint and swelling. Wherein the temperature of this area is slightly higher general temperature bodies.
Fibrosarcoma
Most rare view bone cancer, which affects connective tissue. The main location is tendons. Pathology is different rapid process of metastasis and affects both men and women equally. Most often the disease affects people aged 4 to 20 years.
The tumor can be localized on the feet, torso or head. Most often, the disease develops after lupus, xeroderma, radiodermatitis, neurofibromatosis and xeroderma.
The manifestation of the tumor is nonspecific. In the early stages it is formed bluish-brown nodes. The skin over the affected area becomes intact, but is involved in the pathological process only in the later stages of the disease. Almost immediately after the onset of tumor development, it appears soreness, which increases in intensity over time.
How to recognize
The following symptoms indicate the development of bone cancer:
- localized pain which in the first stages is only temporary. As the tumor grows, the pain becomes intense and constant. Maximum pain occurs after physical activity;
- violation motor activity affected part of the body;
- swelling of the inflamed area with hyperemic skin, which later acquire a bluish tint;
- frequent fractures, occurring due to weakening of bone tissue. Fractures are accompanied by sharp acute pain;
- general symptoms: weakness, fever, weight loss, swollen lymph nodes.
Stages
Same as for others cancer diseases, bone cancer is characterized by a gradual development, which manifests itself in 4 stages.
Stage 1
The first stage is divided into two stages. The first stage is characterized localization of the tumor in the deep layers bone tissue. At this time, the neoplasm has already grown to 8 cm, but remains within the bone. This stage is characterized by swelling of the tissue around the affected area.
At the second stage of this stage, there is damage to the entire bone, with penetration into its walls. But the transition to adjacent tissues has not yet been observed.
Stage 2
The second stage is characterized by localization in the bone area, in which cancer cells lose their differentiation, and gradually spread to cartilage and connective tissue.
Stage 3
In the third stage, cancer cells begin extend to soft fabrics, located in the bone area. At this stage the patient begins experience constant pain. On palpation, you can feel a tumor-like compaction.
Stage 4
This stage is the last and is characterized extensive metastasis far beyond the affected area. Metastases are most often detected in the lungs and lymphatic system. The growth of the tumor reaches such a size that it can be determined visually.
Treatment
For bone cancer, as well as for other malignant tumors, it is used combination several methods.
Surgical exposure is the primary method for initial stage of this disease. Represents excision affected bone area. For small lesions, to fill the defect area, use bone replacement materials.
At extensive defects apply replacement metal structures. Complete amputation is carried out only in single cases when the tumor is located in the area of large joints adjacent to the main vessels and nerves.
Unfortunately, with bone cancer Radiation and chemotherapy are practically ineffective. They are used as additional treatment. During chemotherapy, a combination of 3 drugs is used, with different mechanisms of action.
Drugs injected comprehensively into the artery, which is located closest to the affected area. Thus, the maximum concentration of anti-cancer substances in the blood is achieved.
IN Lately, is becoming increasingly widespread targeted therapy. In essence, it is similar to chemotherapy, only for intravenous administration use special drugs with targeted action.
These drugs were created based on the clinical changes of the tumor during the spread of the disease. Targeted therapy has fewer side effects than chemotherapy and is more effective.
Rehabilitation
Treatment of malignant formations of bone tissue does not pass without a trace. Surgery always requires rehabilitation, even for minor operations. In addition, radiation and chemotherapy play a role, which lead to a number of complications and weakening of all body systems.
Complex impact negative factors requires full recovery body. For this purpose, it is recommended to carry out a number of special activities, targeted and general:
- early activation of patients, through involvement in physical activity;
- therapeutic exercises and massage;
- exercise therapy, carried out in a hospital setting;
- usage supporting and corrective devices: elastic bandages, bandages, bandages;
- installation of prostheses;
- nutritional balance, in the menu of which the main part is occupied by products high in vitamins and elements that contribute to rapid recovery bone tissue;
- refusal bad habits : smoking, alcohol;
- formation of normal sleep and rest patterns.
During the rehabilitation period, self-medication with the use of stimulating herbs is strictly prohibited, as this can provoke a relapse of the disease.
Forecast
All statistics carried out on this disease, is based on data from the last 5 years. The information collected showed that overall, the number of bone cancer survivors is almost 70%. If we consider each type separately, the forecast looks like this:
- with osteosarcoma, 60% of patients survived;
- with chondrosarcoma – 54%;
- with fibrosarcoma about 50%.
Of this number, the largest number of survivors are in the early stages. When diagnosing stage 4 pathology, survival rate is very low.
Bone cancer is cancer, affecting the human skeleton. It occurs extremely rarely as a primary type tumor (proportion in total number cancer diseases, according to various sources, does not exceed 1-1.5%).
Primary bone cancer can develop:
- From bone cells (osteogenic sarcoma, parosteal sarcoma, malignant osteoblastoma);
- From cartilage tissue cells (chondrosarcoma);
- From fibrous cells connective tissue(fibrosarcoma);
- From bone marrow cells (angioma, lymphoma, Ewing tumor).
However, a secondary type of disease is diagnosed much more often. The cause of this form of bone cancer is metastases that penetrate the skeletal system of the body from other previously affected organs.
The disease occurs mainly in young people under the age of 30 (about 60% of all cases of cancerous tumors in the bones). Certain types occur predominantly in children and adolescents under 15 years of age (for example, osteosarcoma, the development of which is usually associated with active bone growth). In older people, cancer cells most often affect the bones of the skull.
Cancer can occur in absolutely any bones of the skeleton, but in the vast majority of cases the tumor is localized in long tubular bones (femur, tibia, fibula, humerus), in 20% of cases - cancer in flat bones ( iliac bones and rib bones).
Causes of bone cancer
Modern medicine cannot give an exact answer to the question of why bone cancer occurs, but experts identify a number of factors that can increase the risk of developing this disease:
- Trauma to the extremities that preceded the disease (may contribute to the development of cancer, but the influence of this factor has not been precisely proven);
- Chronic inflammatory diseases bones (eg Paget's disease);
- Genetic mutations of a hereditary nature;
- Ionizing radiation;
- Prolonged contact with chemicals, having a carcinogenic effect (for example, with beryllium, radioactive phosphorus, cesium, strontium, radium, etc.);
- Age (the disease most often occurs in children and young people aged 17-18 years);
- Height (some experts note a connection between a child’s height and the likelihood of him developing osteosarcoma);
- Umbilical hernia in childhood. According to statistics, Ewing's disease is three times more likely to develop in children born with umbilical hernia. The reason for this relationship has not yet been precisely discovered;
- Having retinoblastoma, a rare form of retinal cancer that develops in young children from tissue of fetal origin (children with this form of cancer have a high chance of developing bone cancer);
- Gender (bone tumors are more common in men than in women);
- Ethnicity (African Americans develop the disease less frequently than Europeans).
And yet, in most cases, the mechanism of occurrence and development of the disease remains unknown.
Symptoms of bone cancer
The main symptoms of bone cancer are pain in the affected area, the formation of tumor tissue in the affected area, and disruption of the normal functioning of the limb.
One of the most early signs Bone cancer is a pain. In the early stages of the disease, it has an unexpressed nature, unclear localization, occurs spontaneously and quickly disappears. As the disease progresses, the pain becomes more and more prolonged and does not stop even if the limb is completely immobilized. Characteristic feature pain in bone cancer is that it intensifies at night, thereby affecting the patient’s quality of sleep.
The growth of the tumor gradually leads to deformations of the affected area of the body around it or to deformations of the contours of the limb. In most cases, swelling of the adjacent soft tissues is observed. Palpation of the affected area reveals a static tumor, which in some cases can be quite painful. As a rule, the skin temperature in the area cancerous tumor higher than other parts of the body. This is evidence of the flow inflammatory process. This group of signs of bone cancer usually appears 2-3 months after the onset of pain.
If the tumor reaches an impressive size, the skin over it becomes very thin and becomes pale, and a network of dilated blood vessels is clearly visible in it.
When the tumor is localized in the marginal zone tubular bone the movement of the joint adjacent to it becomes difficult and, as a result, the process of muscle atrophy begins.
As a complication of the disease, pathological bone fractures can occur, which sometimes occur even due to minor injuries.
Other symptoms of bone cancer include signs that are common to all cancers:
- Anemia;
- Increased fatigue;
- Decreased ability to work;
- Unexplained weight loss (including cachexia);
- Feverish conditions;
- Increased sweating (especially at night);
- Nausea, vomiting, pain in the abdomen, confusion (these signs of bone cancer are a consequence of hypercalcemia - an increase in the level of calcium in the blood caused by calcium salts entering the bloodstream from the bones), etc.
Diagnosis of the disease
The following methods are used to diagnose bone cancer:
- Biopsy;
- MRI of bone and adjacent tissues;
- Bone scan;
- X-ray examination;
- Determination of calcium level in the blood;
- Test to determine the level of alkaline phosphatase isoenzyme;
- Parathyroid hormone test.
Bone cancer treatment
Bone cancer has a number of distinctive features that are decisive factors when choosing the appropriate treatment method.
Firstly, tumors in the bones have little susceptibility to the effects of radiation therapy. Therefore, in the treatment of bone cancer this method used extremely rarely.
Secondly, the tumor begins to metastasize quite early and quickly. Therefore, before surgical treatment For bone cancer, the patient is prescribed a course of chemotherapy, which will reduce the number of cancer cells and reduce the size of the tumor. After surgery, a second course of chemotherapy is required.
Vastness surgical intervention directly depends on the stage at which the disease was diagnosed. However, very often it is not possible to save the patient’s limb.
Bone cancer - prognosis
With bone cancer, the patient's prognosis depends on how quickly the disease is detected and how appropriate the treatment is.
Isolated bone cancer without metastases is not the cause of death of the patient. Survival rate at this stage is 75-80%.
Later, the disease is accompanied by a process of metastasis. In this case, bone cancer metastases affect adjacent and distant tissues and organs, spreading throughout the body. At this stage of bone cancer, survival prognosis for patients does not exceed 40%.
