Bone Cancer 101
July is Bone Cancer Awareness Month. Bone cancer is a rare form of cancer, often overlooked by most Americans, but affects thousands of Americans annually.
There are two primary types of bone cancer: 1) primary bone cancer, which originates in the bone tissue and can be either cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign); and 2) metastatic tumors of the bone tissue (which originated elsewhere in the body and then metastasized, or spread, to the bone). Whereas primary bone cancer is exceedingly rare, accounting for only 3,450 new cases each year–less than 1% of all cancers–more than an estimated 280,000 adults are living with metastatic cancer, which has spread to their bones.
Types of Primary Bone Cancer and Survival Rates
Primary bone cancers are defined and categorized by the cells within the bone that initially gave rise to cancer. The most common types are Osteosarcoma, Chondrosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, and Chordoma.
- Osteosarcoma develops from bone-forming cells called osteoblasts in osteoid tissue (immature bone tissue). In children, it typically forms near the shoulder or knee. But in adults, can form in any bones, and is more common in non-white ethnic groups.
- Chondrosarcoma develops from cartilage tissue, usually of the pelvis, upper leg, or shoulder. It is most common in adults above the age of 40.
- Ewing sarcoma is a cancer of the bone and soft tissue. It is common in children and adolescents under 19 years old. While it can form in any bone, it is most common in the pelvis, legs, and ribs.
- Chordoma is a very rare cancer that forms in the spine.
The survival rates for bone cancer vary significantly by type. For Osteosarcoma, localized cases have a survival rate of 74%. While distant cases (widespread metastasis) have a rate of 27%. For Ewing Tumors, localized cases have a survival rate of 81%, while distant cases have a rate of 38%. Chondrosarcoma has a localized survival rate of 91%, the highest, and a distant survival rate of 22%. Chordoma has a localized survival rate of 87% and the highest distant survival rate, at 55%.
Bone Cancer Symptoms
The symptoms of bone cancer also vary. The most common symptom experienced by most patients is pain in the affected bone. At first, the pain is usually intermittent but becomes more constant as the cancer progresses. Other symptoms may include swelling in the area of the cancer, lumps near the cancer, and fractures due to weakening of the bone. Systemic symptoms can include weight loss and fatigue.
Risk Factors
Some common risk factors include:
- Genetics – some bone cancers, especially Osteosarcomas and Chordomas, are hereditary or caused by mutations.
- Radiation – exposing bones to ionizing radiation increasing their risk of developing bone cancer.
- Multiple exostoses – a syndrome that causes bumps on a person’s bones, can be a cause of some Chondrosarcomas.
- Enchondromas – benign cartilage tumors, are linked to an increased risk of Chondrosarcomas.
- Tuberous sclerosis – an inherited condition caused by mutations, is linked to early childhood Chordomas.
- Paget Disease – can increase one’s risk of bone cancers, especially Osteosarcoma.
Treatment Options
The typical forms of treatment for bone cancers include surgery, therapy using a medication, radiation therapy, or some combination of the three. Therapeutic medications may include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. Immunotherapies are generally not approved for sarcomas originating in the bone but may be used for some cancers metastasizing to the bone.
To learn more about sarcomas, visit the National Foundation for Cancer Research’s page on sarcomas. To learn more about the various areas of research NFCR supports, please visit our Research Focus page.
Additional Reads You May Enjoy:
Sarcoma: The Young Person’s Cancer?
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