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Bone Cancer
Understanding Your Diagnosis Deciding on Treatment Managing Side Effects Cancer FAQs Advanced Reading
Bone cancer, or primary bone cancer, is cancer that begins in your bones. Primary bone cancer is different from secondary bone cancer, which starts in other parts of the body and later spreads to the bones.
Overview
Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone cancer, making up 35 percent of cases. Chondrosarcoma is the next most common, followed by Ewing's tumor.
Understanding Your Diagnosis
Most primary bone cancers will show up on X-rays. The tumor will give the bone a ragged look or form a hole. A biopsy and blood tests can help your doctor confirm that the tumor is cancerous.
Deciding on Treatment
Most people with primary bone cancer will have more than one treatment, depending on your age and health and the type of bone cancer. You may need surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of these.
Managing Side Effects
Side effects of treatment for bone cancer depend on the specific treatment given and can vary from patient to patient. Your cancer specialist will work with you to keep any side effects at a minimum.
Advanced Reading
Learn more about bone cancer from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Physician Data Query (PDQ®) for patients. It includes information about prevention, screening, and treatment.
