Despite high living standards with modernized medical facilities, threats of diseases are also increasing day by day. People of this age have to encounter more dangerous viruses and outbreaks. In such situations, an increase in health concerns is quite natural. However, the good news is that medical advancements and scientific research have revealed preventive measures that can be of great help in this matter.
Bone Cancer is another name of fear today. It lies high on the list of diseases that can create a wave of extreme depression in the patient and his family as well due to the longevity and complexity of treatment.
In addition, however small, there are chances that it can be life-threatening. Although cancer can affect any part of the body, among various cancers, the severity of bone cancer is undeniable. Which bones can be generally affected by cancer and Which people are easy targets, or what conditions increase the probability of bone cancer? In addition to knowing the answers to all these questions, it is crucial to learn how you can avoid bone cancer. Let us look in-depth at how to prevent bone cancer in order to enjoy a progressive and healthy life.
Knowing About Bone Cancer
If you want to know about bone cancer, it is necessary to understand what cancer is. Growth is a natural phenomenon of the human body that also occurs in cells. It may be surprising, but cells also die when they become older or get hurt. Hence, new cells are needed to replace them. This need is fulfilled by a process called cell division, in which cell multiplication and growth occur.
But if the process goes abnormal, that is, unnecessary growth of cells, it may take the form of cancer. The mass of overgrown cells may be a tumor (benign) or cancer (malignant). The primary difference is that benign grows back after removal and does not spread to other parts of the body. Conversely, malignant tumors or cancer can spread to various parts and tend to grow. The exact mechanism explains bone cancer. Excessive growth of cells in bones results in bone cancer. It can develop in any bone, but it often starts in the hipbone or the long bones of the arms or legs.
Types
Bone cancer may develop in two forms.
Primary Bone Cancer: If the origin of the unusual growth of cells is bone, it is called primary bone cancer.
Secondary Bone Cancer: If cancer transmits from any other part of the body to bone, it is called secondary bone cancer.
Rarer Types of Bone Cancer
Bone cancer may appear in various forms. However, some of these are rare and include
- Ewing Sarcoma: The uncommon and dangerous forms of cancer include Ewing sarcoma at the top of the list. It mainly attacks the surrounding soft tissues or bones. The long bones, pelvis, ribs, or spine are the most frequently affected places. Children, adolescents, and young adults are its targets.
- Fibrosarcoma: The site of this rare cancer is the body’s fibrous connective tissues. Although toddlers can also have it, middle-aged adults are the main victims. The uncontrolled growth of fibroblasts, the cells that produce collagen, is an indicator of the tumor. Possible signs include pain if the tumor presses against adjacent structures, swelling, or a benign lump. Typically, treatment includes surgical excision and, in some cases, chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
- Chordoma: Chordoma is a rare, slow-growing type of cancer that develops in the bones of the skull and spine. It usually originates from remnants of the notochord, an embryonic structure that forms the spinal column. Hence, it most commonly affects the base of the skull, sacrum, or vertebrae. Despite its slow growth, chordoma can be locally aggressive and challenging to treat due to its proximity to critical structures.
- Adamantinoma: It is also a malignant bone tumor. The most common areas that can be affected include the shinbone. Yet, it can develop in other bones too. It often shows a painless swelling or lump that may gradually cause discomfort, tenderness, or restricted movement. Hence, it’s crucial to consider that it has the potential to recur or metastasize, particularly to the lungs.
- Plasmacytoma: Another rare cancer that develops from abnormal plasma cells. Plasma cells are a type of white blood cell that produces antibodies. It can grow as an extramedullary plasmacytoma, which occupies the upper respiratory tract. The other form is solitary plasmacytoma, which affects a single bone. The symptoms of plasmacytomas vary depending on the location of the tumor.
Symptoms
Its common symptoms include
- Long-Standing Fatigue
- Localized pain
- Swelling and tenderness near the affected area
- Pain in bones and joints
- Movement issues
- Significant weight loss
- Fracture of bone, even with mild force
What are the Causes of Bone Cancer?
The cause of many cancers is not known yet. When the DNA of cells in the bone or near it changes, it results in bone cancer. DNA contains the instructions that tell it what to do. In healthy cells, DNA is responsible for growth and multiplication at a predetermined rate. The instructions command the cells to die at a specific moment. In cancer cells, DNA mutations provide different instructions. The modifications instruct cancer cells to produce many more cells quickly. Cancer cells can live even when healthy cells die. This results in an abnormally large number of cells.
The cancer cells may develop a mass known as a tumor. The tumor can spread and destroy vital body tissue. Cancer cells can eventually break free and spread throughout the body. Metastatic cancer occurs when cancer spreads beyond the primary site.
Diagnosis and Tests
Diagnosing bone cancer is a sensitive and attention-requiring stage. The specialist starts it usually with a complete medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests. The most common tests include X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and bone scans that help to determine the size and location of the tumor. An examination of tissue samples under a microscope and a biopsy are the final procedures used to identify the type of malignancy. Alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels are two examples of blood tests that may offer more information. Additionally, certain mutations can be found with the help of sophisticated molecular and genetic testing, which can be helpful in making personalized treatment strategies.
The Ways of Prevention of Bone Cancer
If you have to choose between prevention or cure, the answer will be evident. Preventing options seem extremely viable if the disease is severe, such as cancer. Hence, in the case of bone cancer, possible ways of prevention are no less than a blessing. Here is a brief overview of the ways that can help to prevent bone cancer.
Monitoring Weight Changes
Unexplained significant weight loss is high on the list of symptoms that indicate the presence of bone cancer. Hence, consistent monitoring of weight changes can contribute to the early detection of bone cancer. It can decrease the risk of complications and the severity of the issue. Moreover, in the early stages, less painful treatment options can be used.
Genetic Counselling
Chances of occurrence of bone cancer increase in individuals having a history of disease or genetic syndrome in family members. It interprets that the person is carrying it in his genes. Hence, with the help of genetic counseling, planning strategies to prevent bone cancer may lead to fruitful results. It can not only reduce the probability of cancer but also promote the overall health status.
Avoiding Radiations
Frequent exposure to Ionization radiation, such as imaging or radiation therapy, can be significantly harmful to bones. They can affect the metabolism and natural healing process, leading to a risk of infections and weakening of bones. Hence, avoiding these radiations is crucial to having healthy bones and preventing the monster of cancer.
Maintaining Health
Taking care of yourself to enjoy a healthy life is incomplete without pampering bones. Keeping in mind the needs of bones, one must adopt methods to have adequate calcium and vitamin D. Intake of a nutritious diet or supplements and exposure to sunlight ( for some time if possible) can be helpful in this regard.
Occupational Safety
The workplace is of great importance in health discussions. Research proves that people working at places where exposure to chemicals or radiation is frequent often become prey to various cancers. It increases the risk of secondary bone cancer. Hence, compliance with guidelines and safety measures at workplaces is crucial to protect yourself.
Educate Yourself
Awareness of risk factors, genetic impacts, and the latest research and findings can promote the urge to adopt health-boosting methods. Moreover, it can contribute to preventing yourself from various severe medical issues in addition to bone cancer. Hence, use all sources to get maximum information and try to be updated.
Risk Factors
The prominent risk elements concerning bone cancer include
- Genetic conditions: Genetic disorders, such as hereditary abnormalities in particular tumor suppressor genes, raise the risk of bone cancer
- Radiation exposure: Radiation exposure is a prominent risk factor for bone cancer. It can harm healthy cells and raise the possibility of mutations, especially from prior cancer therapies or environmental sources.
- Bone diseases: Bone diseases like osteogenesis imperfecta and Paget’s disease can alter the bone structure and weaken the bones. Hence raises the risk of bone cancer by making the bones more vulnerable to malignant growth.
- Rapid bone growth: The faster cell division in particular situations like gigantism can result in aberrant tissue development in the bones, which can lead to bone cancer.
- Previous bone tumors: Having a previous bone tumor increases the risk of developing a new bone cancer, as the initial tumor or its treatment (such as radiation) can damage surrounding bone tissue and lead to the growth of malignant cells.
Complications (Why should you prevent cancer?)
One may face serious side effects of bone cancer if it remains unattended. Some significant consequences include reduced mobility, chronic discomfort, and fractures from weakening bones, particularly when it affects weight-bearing regions. Moreover, it could spread to other organs, such as the liver or lungs, making treatment more challenging. Beyond the physical troubles, bone cancer has a significant psychological effect, leading to severe anxiety and sadness. Thus, to avoid all and increase survival chances, early detection, and proper treatment are needed.
A Note from The Orthocenter
We at Orthocenter are committed to helping more and more people who are battling against bone cancer. That is why we keep a sharp eye on the upcoming advances in terms of diagnosing tools and treatment choices. Thus, to make a patient’s tough journey of health an easy one.
Our orthopedic surgeon, Dr Ahmed Shoaib, believes in a patient-centered approach. Therefore, he dedicatedly gives each patient comprehensive time and exceptional care to make them survive and improve their quality of life. If you are looking for advanced treatments, extraordinary care, and surety of safety, Orthocenter is the right place to come.
Wrapping Up
Cancer is a medical condition that can turn the page of your life into an unexpected one. It can be anywhere in the body. However, its occurrence in bones can be a disaster as bone damage can restrict various movements. But problems always come with their solutions. There are possible ways that can aid in preventing bone cancer and keeping you safe from painstaking treatments.
These methods include taking care of your weight, avoiding radiation, and regular follow-ups. Moreover, paying attention to your genes will be of great help. In addition, keep your bones happy by providing the required nutrition and staying educated to know the risk factors and how to avoid them. Lastly, be positive and do not let stress ride your brain in order to maintain good mental health. Following all these ways, you can stay healthy and keep bone cancer away.
FAQs
What Are The Early Signs Of Bone Cancer?
Anyone can misunderstand the early symptoms of bone cancer with other conditions. However noticeable signs to care include persistent bone pain, swelling, and tenderness, Unexplained difficulty in moving a limb or joint, stiffness near a joint, fatigue, and weight.
How Is Bone Cancer Treated?
Bone cancer can be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, depending on the type and stage of the cancer. Surgery specializes in removing the tumor, and radiation therapy aims to destroy the remaining cancer cells. Chemotherapy helps kill cancer cells, especially in aggressive types like osteosarcoma. Newer treatments, such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy, offer advanced options for specific cases. Rehabilitation and supportive care play a key role in recovery.
Who Is At Risk Of Developing Bone Cancer?
Certain factors increase the risk of developing bone cancer. Genetic conditions Radiation exposure and Bone diseases such as Paget’s disease increase the chances. Moreover, age, growth rate, and previous bone tumors raise the risk.
Are There Preventive Measures For Bone Cancer?
There are no guaranteed ways to prevent bone cancer, but reducing radiation exposure, seeking genetic counseling for inherited conditions, and having regular medical check-ups can help with early detection. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition and exercise may also support bone health and overall well-being.
What Are The Survival Rates For Bone Cancer?
The kind, stage, and location of the tumor, as well as the patient’s general condition, all affect the survival rate for bone cancer. For instance, if osteosarcoma, the most prevalent kind, is identified early and treated vigorously, its 5-year survival rate is approximately 60–80%. However, if the cancer has spread to other bodily parts, the rate decreases. Treatment and early discovery greatly enhance prognosis.
