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Whether you or someone you love has bone cancer, you've come to the right place!

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Bone Cancer Overview

primary and secondary bone cancer

Primary and secondary bone cancer

A primary bone cancer is one that starts in the bones. The cancer cells are bone cells that have become cancerous.

For Example;

Normal Bone Tissue

Bone is the supporting framework of the body. Most bones are hollow. The outer part of bones consists of fibrous tissue called matrix onto which calcium salts are deposited. At each end of the bone is a zone of cartilage, a softer form of bone-like tissue. Cartilage consists of a fibrous tissue matrix mixed with a gel-like substance. Unlike bone, cartilage does not contain calcium.

Cartilage acts as a cushion between bones and, together with ligaments and some other tissues, forms the joints between bones. The bone itself is very hard and strong. Some bone is able to support as much as 12,000 pounds per square inch. It takes as much as 1200 to 1800 pounds of pressure to break a femur (thigh bone).

The outside of the bone is covered with a layer of fibrous tissue called periosteum. The bone itself contains two kinds of cells. The osteoblast is the cell responsible for forming bone and the osteoclast is the cell responsible for dissolving bone. Although bone looks to be a very unchanging organ, the truth is that it is very active. New bone is constantly forming, and old bone dissolving.

Bone marrow is the soft tissue inside the hollow bones. The marrow of some bones consists only of fatty tissue. The marrow of other bones is a mixture of fat cells and hematopoietic (blood- forming) cells. These blood-forming cells produce red blood cells, white blood cells, and blood platelets. There are some other cells in the marrow such as plasma cells, fibroblasts, and reticuloendothelial cells.

How Is Bone Cancer Treated?

After a bone cancer is found and staged, the cancer care team will recommend a treatment plan. This is an important decision, so it is important to take time and think about all of the choices. In choosing a treatment plan, factors to consider include the type, location, and stage of the cancer, as well as your overall physical health.

Because many bone cancers are rare, it is often a good idea to seek an opinion from a major cancer center that may have a wide experience in treating bone cancers. A second opinion can provide more information and help you feel more confident about the treatment plan that is chosen. Some insurance companies require a second opinion before they will agree to pay for treatments.

The usual treatments for bone cancers are described below. More specific treatments are described in the ACS documents on specific types of bone cancers, such as Osteosarcoma or Ewing’s Family of Tumors.