Bone cancer is primarily categorized into two types: primary and secondary, with primary bone cancers being particularly rare and more prevalent in younger individuals.
The survival rate for bone cancer patients varies significantly based on the type of cancer, stage at diagnosis, and treatment options available.
Bone cancer is a term that encompasses various types of malignancies that originate in the bones, significantly damaging normal bone tissue. According to the Cleveland Clinic, bone cancer can either be primary, where cancer starts in the bones, or secondary, where cancer spreads from other organs to the bones. Primary bone cancers are rare, accounting for less than 1% of all cancers in the United States, and they tend to occur more frequently in children, teens, and young adults than in older adults.
There are four primary types of bone cancer: Osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, Chondrosarcoma, and Chordoma. Osteosarcoma is the most prevalent and usually arises in the ends of large bones, often diagnosed in younger populations. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and fractures without apparent cause. Ewing sarcoma can develop in bones and surrounding tissues, while Chondrosarcoma originates in cartilage tissue, primarily affecting older adults. Chordoma is a rare tumor typically found in the spine and skull, more common in men than women.
Diagnosis of bone cancer typically involves imaging techniques such as X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and biopsies to assess the tumor's characteristics and spread. Treatment options include surgery to remove the tumor, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, although the latter is not effective for all types of bone cancer. The prognosis varies, with a 5-year relative survival rate of approximately 66.8%, indicating that many patients can recover from bone cancer.
