Oncological diseases of the bones in modern medical practice are relatively rare. Such diseases are diagnosed only in 1% of cases of cancerous lesions of the body. But many people are interested in questions about why such a disease occurs, and what is the main symptom of bone cancer. After all, the sooner the diagnosis is made and treatment is started, the higher the chances of a successful recovery.
Cancers of the skeleton and their causes
Unfortunately, the causes of primary malignant degeneration of bone and cartilage cells are still under investigation today. However, there is evidence that genetic inheritance matters in this case. In particular, genetic diseases such as Li-Fauman and Rothmund-Thomson syndromes increase the risk of bone damage.
On the other hand, oncological diseases can also develop under the influence of external factors. In about 40% of cases, cancerous lesions of the skeleton develop after injuries and bone fractures. Tomalignant degeneration results from exposure to the body of radioactive radiation, as well as poisoning with compounds of strontium and radium. Some people have developed cancer after a bone marrow transplant.
Classification of bone cancers
In oncological diseases of the skeleton, the tumor develops either from bone or cartilage structures. In addition, the disease can be both primary and secondary. Primary cancer is most often diagnosed at a young and even childhood age. Secondary tumors are metastases formed by the migration of malignant cells from other sites of damage to the body. Bone metastases are possible with hemangioma, lipoma, reticulosarcoma, fibrosarcoma, etc.
In addition, bone tumors can be both benign and malignant (this is important, since the main symptom of bone cancer will depend on the nature of the tumor):
- A benign tumor has clear boundaries and most often the correct shape. Such a neoplasm is considered relatively safe, since it does not give metastases, although in some cases cells can be reborn. The processes of cell division and tumor growth are slow. These diseases include osteoma and chondroma.
- Malignant neoplasms are characterized by rapid and aggressive growth. The tumor has no clear boundaries and easily grows into the surrounding tissues. Such diseases are often accompanied by metastasis and end in the death of the patient.
Benign bone tumors and their symptoms
It is worth noting that most often this disease is diagnosed at a young age (20-30 years), and men are more susceptible to it than women. As already mentioned, benign neoplasms are less dangerous, but this does not mean that treatment is not required here. So what is the first symptom of bone cancer?
In fact, the initial stages of the disease in most cases are asymptomatic. Only in the later stages can some external signs appear. In particular, sometimes an uncharacteristic seal can be felt on the bone, which is perfectly felt through the skin. But pain rarely appears - the only exceptions are those cases when the neoplasm greatly increases in size, squeezing nerve fibers or blood vessels.
Sometimes the tumor grows so much that it is visible to the naked eye. But, importantly, the skin over the neoplasm does not change.
What are the symptoms of bone cancer?
The appearance of a malignant tumor is characterized by a more aggressive course, and therefore the clinical picture is more pronounced here. Pain is the main symptom of bone cancer. Patients often complain of pulling and aching pain, which can be either localized in the affected area or spread to other parts of the body (for example, if the shoulder is affected, pain may occur in the arm).
The intensive growth of a malignant neoplasm and the spread of metastases leads to exhaustionbody, the emergence of weakness, a sharp weight loss. As in the previous case, the tumor can sometimes be felt through the skin, but it does not have clear boundaries. The skin over the affected area of the skeleton becomes pale and thin, and the translucent venous mesh gives the tissues a marble pattern.
Cancer of the leg bone: symptoms and features
Osteogenic sarcoma is diagnosed in approximately 60% of patients with bone cancer. This is a malignant tumor that most often affects the tubular bones of the leg. A similar disease is diagnosed in adolescents and young people aged 10 to 25 years. In particular, such a neoplasm develops during a period of intensive growth and puberty, and boys are more prone to this disease.
Typically, the tumor forms in a growth zone, such as near the knee or at the lower end of the femur. Constant pain that gets worse when walking, temporary lameness, weakness, and sudden weight loss are the main symptoms of leg bone cancer. Left untreated, metastasis occurs, with the lungs primarily affected.
Pelvic bone cancer: symptoms and description of the disease
The bones of the pelvis are most commonly affected by malignant Jung's sarcoma. This disease is characterized by a malignant course, the rapid growth of the tumor and the spread of malignant cells throughout the body. As a rule, young people aged 20 years are more susceptible to the disease, although its occurrence is also possible inold age.
The disease is accompanied by characteristic symptoms. Cancer of the pelvic bones is accompanied by pain in the pelvis and thigh, which often spread to the entire lower limb. Soreness greatly complicates movement, so you can notice that when walking a sick person is very lame.
Methods of cancer treatment
There are many methods used to treat skeletal cancers. The choice of therapy here depends on the nature and size of the tumor, as well as its localization and the presence of metastases. A good effect can be achieved using radiation and chemotherapy. Ionizing rays, as well as chemical aggressive substances, have a negative effect on malignant tumor cells, eliminating not only the primary formation, but also its metastases.
In more severe cases, surgery is required. Surgical treatment is reduced to the removal of the affected parts of the bone and replacing them with metal implants. Naturally, further after the removal of the tumor, an additional course of chemistry or radiation therapy is required to neutralize the malignant structures remaining in the body.
What are the prognosis for bone cancer patients?
Many patients wonder how long they live with bone cancer. There is no unequivocal answer to this question, since everything here depends on the nature of the disease, the stage of its development, the presence of metastases and the quality of the therapy performed. As a rule, benign neoplasms can be cured relatively quickly. Diseases of a malignant nature are much more difficult to treat. Nevertheless, with properly administered therapy, a stage of long-term remission (about five years) can be achieved. If the patient went to the doctor at the last stage of the disease, when the tumor had already metastasized to the vital organs, the prognosis is not so favorable.
