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Bone tumors

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

X-ray
X-ray
Skeleton
Skeleton
Osteogenic sarcoma - X-ray
Osteogenic sarcoma - X-ray
Ewings sarcoma - X-ray
Ewings sarcoma - X-ray

Alternative Names    Return to top

Tumor - bone

Definition    Return to top

A bone tumor is an abnormal growth of cells within the bone that may be noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant).

Causes    Return to top

The cause of bone tumors is unknown. They often arise in areas of rapid growth. Possible causes include:

But in most cases no specific cause is found.

Osteochondromas are the most common noncancerous (benign) bone tumors, and occur most often in people between the ages of 10 and 20. Some benign bone tumors go away on their own and do not require treatment. These benign tumors are monitored periodically by x-ray.

Cancers that start in the bones are referred to as primary bone tumors. Cancers that start in another part of the body (such as the breast, lungs, or colon) are not considered bone tumors. Multiple myeloma often affects or involves the bone, but is not considered a bone tumor.

Cancerous (malignant) bone tumors include:

The most common cancers that spread to the bone are cancer of the:

These forms of cancer usually affect older people.

Bone cancer was once very common among people who painted radium on watch faces (to produce glow-in-the-dark dials). The painters would "tip" the brush with their tongue (in order to produce fine work) and absorb minute amounts of radium, which deposited in the bone and caused cancer. The practice of using radium paint was abandoned in the middle of the 20th century.

The incidence of bone cancer is higher in families with familial cancer syndromes. The incidence of bone cancer in children is approximately 5 cases per million children each year.

Symptoms    Return to top

Note: Some benign tumors have no symptoms.

Exams and Tests    Return to top

This disease may also affect the results of the following tests:

Treatment    Return to top

Benign bone tumors may not require treatment, but may be looked at regularly to check if they grow or shrink. Surgical removal of the tumor may be necessary.

Treatment for malignant tumors that have spread to the bone depends on the primary tissue or organ involved. Radiation therapy with chemotherapy or hormone therapy is often used.

Tumors that start in the bone (primary malignant tumors of the bone) are rare and require treatment at centers with experience treating these cancers. After biopsy, a combination of chemotherapy and surgery is usually necessary. Radiation therapy may be needed before or after surgery.

Support Groups    Return to top

You can often help the stress of illness by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. For this condition, see cancer - support group.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

The outlook depends on the type of tumor. The outcome is expected to be good for people with noncancerous (benign) tumors, although some types of benign tumors may eventually become cancerous (malignant).

With malignant bone tumors that have not spread, most patients achieve a cure. Because the cure rate depends on the type of cancer, location, size, and other factors, discuss your situation with your doctor.

Possible Complications    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of a bone tumor.

References    Return to top

Skubitz KM, D'Adamo D. Sarcoma. Mayo Clin Proc. 2007;82:1409-1432.

Update Date: 3/24/2008

Updated by: Stephen Grund, MD, PhD, Chief of Hematology/Oncology and Director of the George Bray Cancer Center at New Britain General Hospital, New Britain, CT. Review provided byVeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed byDavid Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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