MemorialCare Cancer Institute at:
Jonathan Jaques Children's Cancer Center at:
New:
Bone Cancer
Most bone cancers are caused by advanced breast, prostate or lung cancers spreading to the bone. Primary bone cancer, which forms in bone cells, is rare and occurs more often in children. Common types of primary bone cancer are Osteosarcoma, Chondrosarcoma, and Ewing Tumors.
Symptoms
Bone cancer symptoms may include:- Pain.
- Bone fractures or weakness.
- Swelling and tenderness of joints.
- Fatigue.
- Fever.
- Weight loss.
- Anemia.
Causes & Prevention
The cause of primary bone cancer is unknown. Research suggests that exposure to radiation from high dose radiation therapy at a young age can increase your risk. Your genetic make-up could also be a cause as some bone cancers are hereditary.
Risk Factors
You are at a greater risk for bone cancer if you:- Are exposed to high dose radiation therapy at a young age.
Diagnosis
After a physical exam, diagnostic imaging such as X-rays, CT scans, ultrasound, or MRI may be preformed to allow your doctor to view and evaluate possible cancerous areas of your bones. A bone scan may also be performed to help diagnose bone cancer. This includes injecting radioactive materials into your blood stream that then collects in your bones and can be detected by a scanner to create an image of your bones.
Staging
If cancer is diagnosed and before treatment begins, additional tests are performed to determine the stage of the cancer and to see if it has spread to other parts of the body.
Treatments
MemorialCare’s experienced team of oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and surgeons conduct roundtable discussions (tumor boards) of newly diagnosed patients to make recommendations for the best course of treatment.
