The commonest form of cancer that originates in the bones is called osteosarcoma. This is the eighth most common form of childhood cancer, making up 2.4 per cent of all cancers in young patients, and around 20 per cent of all primary bone cancers. In the Unites States, osteosarcoma affects about 5 patients in a million patients under 20 years of age.
Cancer can form in the bones as the original site, or it can spread to the bones from other sites in the body. When cancer spreads in this way it is called metastasis. The original site can be in another part of the body and the metastasis can be at another site including the bones. Most cancers have the potential to spread and metastasize.
Metastatic bone cancer can spread from the lungs, prostate gland, breast, thyroid and kidneys.
Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone cancer. It is most common in younger men between the ages of 10 and 25. More rarely, it can also affect older adults. This type of cancer often occurs in the long bones of the arms and legs in the areas of most rapid growth around the knees and shoulders of children. This type of cancer is often very aggressive. The five-year survival rate is around 65 per cent.
When cancer spreads to the bones, it can interfere with the normal functioning of the bone marrow which is to produce and to store red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, to fight against infection.
Symptoms of metastatic bone cancer can include severe pain, and broken bones. Other symptoms include pain in the back due to spinal cord compression and patients can become paralyzed as a result of fracture of the spine. Blood calcium levels increase and the patient may experience anemia, fatigue, fever, shortness of breath and bleeding.
Cancer can form in the bones as the original site, or it can spread to the bones from other sites in the body. When cancer spreads in this way it is called metastasis. The original site can be in another part of the body and the metastasis can be at another site including the bones. Most cancers have the potential to spread and metastasize.
Metastatic bone cancer can spread from the lungs, prostate gland, breast, thyroid and kidneys.
Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone cancer. It is most common in younger men between the ages of 10 and 25. More rarely, it can also affect older adults. This type of cancer often occurs in the long bones of the arms and legs in the areas of most rapid growth around the knees and shoulders of children. This type of cancer is often very aggressive. The five-year survival rate is around 65 per cent.
When cancer spreads to the bones, it can interfere with the normal functioning of the bone marrow which is to produce and to store red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, to fight against infection.
Symptoms of metastatic bone cancer can include severe pain, and broken bones. Other symptoms include pain in the back due to spinal cord compression and patients can become paralyzed as a result of fracture of the spine. Blood calcium levels increase and the patient may experience anemia, fatigue, fever, shortness of breath and bleeding.
