Bone cancer is a malignant tumor that forms in the bone and destroys normal bone tissue, and can be treated at Mid Florida Cancer Centers. Typically, primary bone cancer is treated through surgery and chemotherapy. Bone cancer treatment can also include radiotherapy, particularly for Ewing’s sarcoma. The specific course of treatment you receive depends on many factors including the type of bone cancer you have, the stage of the cancer, your overall health, and your age and level of fitness. The specialists at Mid Florida Cancer Centers focuses on providing the best course of treatment for each patient, and will work with you to determine the most effective treatment plan for your case.

Bone Cancer Symptoms

Bone cancer symptoms will vary depending on the size of the cancer and where it is in the body. The following are possible symptoms of bone cancer. Remember, primary bone cancer is rare so other conditions may be the cause for the same symptoms. However, it is important your symptoms be checked by your doctor.

• Pain – the area around the bone tumor may be painful or tender, especially at night
• Swelling – this will not show up until the bone tumor is quite large
• Problems with movement – particularly if the bone tumor is near a joint
• Developing a limp – bone cancer in the leg may cause you to limp

Bone Cancer Causes

There is no known direct cause for most cases of bone cancer. The following are risk factors, which could increase the possibility for developing bone cancer:

• Age – bone cancer is most common in younger people
• Previous cancer treatment – exposure to radiation and chemotherapy can cause bone cancer
• Other bone diseases – such as Paget’s disease, benign bone tumors, or Ollier’s disease
• Genetic factors – Li-Fraumeni syndrome, hereditary multiple exostoses (HME), and people with a mother diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 45 are at risk for developing bone cancer
• Ethnicity – A study has shown white Americans are 9 times more likely to develop Ewing’s sarcoma than African Americans
• Being born with a hernia – children are 3 times more likely to develop Ewing’s sarcoma if they are born with a congenital umbilical hernia