Bone Cancer Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Bone cancer or osteosarcoma is a malignant bone tumor that originates from bone-forming cells. Bone cancer or osteosarcoma usually occurs in long bones, such as the arms and legs. Even so, it does not rule out that it also occurs in all types of bones.
Most of those who develop this type of cancer are children, adolescents and young adults. In adults, bone cancer or osteosarcoma can occur as a complication of Paget’s disease.
Complications of bone cancer or osteosarcoma at an advanced stage can be in the form of metastases or spread to the lungs or other organs. As a result, the organ that is attacked by metastases will experience interference.
Symptom
The main clinical symptom of bone cancer or osteosarcoma is pain. At first, the pain is mild and not frequent. But over time, the pain will get worse and more persistent.
In addition, the following complaints may arise:
- Swelling of the bones that have bone cancer or osteosarcoma
- Can cause joint problems
- Tumors grow rapidly
- Fracture
- Weak body and drastic weight loss
Reason
The cause of bone cancer or osteosarcoma is still uncertain. Some sources say malignancy occurs due to DNA damage in cells without a known cause. This damage causes changes in the shape and function of cells to become abnormal.
Some risk factors that can increase your chances of developing bone cancer or osteosarcoma are:
- Certain syndromes run in families. If one family member has Li-Fraumeni syndrome or retinal cancer or retinoblastoma, the chances of other family members suffering from bone cancer or osteosarcoma will increase.
- Paget’s disease. This is a bone metabolism disorder, in which the regeneration of new cells takes place very quickly so that the bones become brittle and their growth is not perfect. This condition can increase a person’s risk of developing bone cancer or osteosarcoma in the future.
- Radiation therapy. Radiation therapy with large doses, such as those used in cancer treatment, can increase a person’s chances of developing bone cancer or osteosarcoma later in life.
Diagnosis
Determining the diagnosis of bone cancer or osteosarcoma requires a physical examination and supporting examinations. The physical examination is carried out to find:
- A lump, usually in the long bones. This lump grows rapidly, causing pain and swelling in the surrounding area.
- Fractures or deformities can be found around the tumor growth area.
Investigations that can help diagnose bone cancer or osteosarcoma are as follows:
- Bone scans (bone scans)
- Bone CT scan
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Positional Emission Tomography (PET)
- X-ray
In addition, cellular examinations can also be performed to diagnose bone cancer or osteosarcoma. This cellular examination is carried out through a biopsy procedure on lumps of bone cancer or osteosarcoma. A biopsy is done in the form of taking part of the tumor tissue to be examined under a microscope.
After confirming that the lump is osteosarcoma, the doctor will stage it next. This is the process of determining the degree of malignancy/stage of the osteosarcoma.
There are several stages of bone cancer or osteosarcoma, namely:
- Stage I. At this stage, the osteosarcoma that occurs is limited to the affected bone and has not spread
- Stage II. Same with stage I, at this stage cancer cells are only found in the bone in question. However, the nature of the cancer is more aggressive
- Stage III. At this stage, osteosarcoma occurs in 2 or more locations in the same bone.
- Stage IV. Cancer cells have spread to other organs of the body.
Treatment
Treatment of bone cancer or osteosarcoma is a combination of chemotherapy before and after surgery. Besides that, surgery can also be performed which is more effective in increasing life expectancy by up to 5 years.
Treatment of osteosarcoma with conservative measures can be done based on the condition of the bone affected by the tumor and its stage. Actions performed include chemotherapy and radiation.
Treatment of osteosarcoma by surgical methods. Surgical treatment is determined depending on the stage of the tumor. The higher the stage, the less likely the tumor can be operated on. However, currently avoid amputation.