Bone tumors: symptoms, causes and how to treat them

Definition of a bone tumor

What is a bone tumor?

A bone tumor is a tissue or lump that forms as cells in the bone grow uncontrollably. The lump can appear on any part of the bone, but this condition is commonly found in the pelvis, as well as the long bones in the arms and legs.

Most of these musculoskeletal disorders growing in bone tissue are actually benign. In other words, the tumor has no potential to spread to other parts of the body.

However, that doesn't mean the tumor won't cause damage to the bone. This abnormal tissue can weaken the affected bone structure, making the bones more susceptible to impact.

Tumors can also be malignant and later this will lead to cancer. These malignant tumors can spread and damage other healthy body parts.

How common is this disease?

Bone tumor is a disease of the bone disorder that is quite rare. According to a study taken from Clinical Cases in Mineral and Bone Metabolism, the average age of the patient when diagnosed with this disease is under the age of 30. However, this figure has also increased in patients over 60 years.

In addition, this type of tumor is more common in male patients than in female patients. The mean incidence ratio for male and female patients was 1.22 to 1.

Types of bone tumors

Tumors that attack this movement system can be benign and malignant. More specifically, the types of bone tumors are:

1. The tumor is benign

Most cases of tumors that first develop on the bone are benign and harmless. This type of tumor does not spread to other tissues and organs. Tumors can be removed by surgical or surgical procedures.

• Osteochondroma

The most common type of benign tumor is osteochondroma, with an incidence of about 35-40 percent of all bone tumor cases. These tumors are made of bone and cartilage composition, and are commonly found in patients aged adolescents.

• Nonossifying unicameral fibroma

This type of tumor can be categorized as a solitary bone cyst. Usually, these tumors are more common in pediatric patients. The bones most commonly affected by this condition are the leg bones.

• Giant cell tumor

Giant cell tumors are one of the fastest growing tumor types. Lumps usually grow at the ends of adult bones. This type of tumor is classified as rare.

• Enchondroma

Cysts that form from cartilage and grow in the bone marrow. This type of tumor is also usually a symptom of Mafucci's syndrome and Ollier's syndrome.

• Fibrous dysplasia

Fibrous dysplasia is the result of a genetic mutation that causes the bones to have fibers. This change in texture makes the bones more susceptible to fracture.

• Bone aneurysm cyst

If the bone has an aneurysm cyst, it is caused by a blood vessel abnormality in the bone marrow. Cyst growth is relatively fast and has the potential to interfere with bone growth.

2. The tumor is malignant

There are also several types of cancer that cause malignant abnormal tissue to appear on the bones. The three most common types of bone cancer are osteosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, and chondrosarcoma.

• Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is more common in children and adolescents. Tumors usually develop in the bones of the pelvis, shoulder, or knee. Tumors grow rapidly and can spread to other parts of the body.

• Ewing's sarcoma

Ewing's sarcoma mostly affects adolescent and adult patients, although there are some cases where children can also suffer from this disease. This type of tumor usually appears on the legs, pelvis, spine, ribs, upper arms and skull.

• Chondrosarcoma

Middle-aged and elderly people are more prone to have a malignant tumor of the type chondrosarcoma on their bones. This type of bone cancer is more commonly found in the pelvis, shoulder and lumbar bones.

Signs & symptoms of bone tumor

There are many symptoms of a bone tumor that you may feel, including:

• A lump or unusual tissue growing somewhere on the body.
• Night sweats.
• You have a fever.
• The pain you feel is constant and gets worse over time.

In the case of a tumor that is benign, you may not feel pain at all. You may not know if there is a lump or tissue inside your bone.

When to see a doctor?

If you experience the features of the bone tumor mentioned above, or have any questions, consult your doctor. Even though it is benign, it does not mean that this tumor will not cause damage to the bone.

Causes of bone tumors

Until now, experts do not know exactly what causes bone tumors. However, tumors generally appear in the body due to mutated cells.

Healthy body cells are supposed to develop and die in a certain cycle. However, it is possible that these cells can mutate and grow uncontrollably. This causes a buildup and a tumor tissue to form.

Other causes that indirectly influence tumor development are:

• Radiotherapy or radiation therapy side effects.
• Repetitive bone injury.
• Genetic or hereditary factors.
• Anticancer drugs, especially those given to children.
• Have had a broken bone and have had a metal implant.

Risk factors for bone tumors

Bone tumor is a disease that can occur in almost anyone, regardless of age group and race group. However, there are several factors that can increase a person's risk for developing this disease.

The following are factors that can increase your risk of suffering from abnormal tissue in the bones:

• Age

This disease is more common in patients aged under 30 years and over 60 years. So, if you are in that age group, your risk for suffering from this disease is much higher.

• Gender

The incidence of this disease is more common in male patients than female.

• Heredity

In rare cases, the potential for a tumor to grow can be inherited from a family member who has a genetic disorder. Diseases associated with genetic disorders are Li-Fraumeni syndrome and retinoblastoma.

• Have had cancer radiation therapy

If you have had radiation therapy or radiotherapy for cancer treatment, your chances of suffering from this disease are greater.

It is important for you to know that having one or more risk factors does not mean that you will definitely suffer from a disease or health condition. In rare cases, it is possible for a person to develop certain diseases or health conditions without any risk factors.

Diagnosis & treatment of bone tumors

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor for more information.

At the time of diagnosis, the doctor will ask you and your family's medical history. Then, to determine the location, size, and type of tumor, the doctor will perform additional tests. Generally, the tests that are carried out are:

• Bone scan
• Computerized tomography (CT scan)
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scan)
• Positron emission tomography (PET)
• X-ray

In addition, the doctor may also recommend taking a sample of tumor tissue (biopsy). With a biopsy, the doctor can find out if the tumor is cancerous, as well as what type of cancer you have.

A biopsy can be done with a small needle inserted into the skin, or by a surgical procedure.

What are the treatments for bone tumors?

Treatment depends on whether the tumor you have is benign or malignant. If the tumor in your bone is benign, you may or may not need medical treatment.

1. Treatment of benign tumors

Usually, doctors will only periodically monitor tumors over time. In other words, you should have regular check-ups with X-rays.

The tumor does not grow bigger, doesn't show any changes, or it disappears. As they get older, pediatric patients generally have a higher chance of self-healing from this condition.

However, in some cases, your doctor may advise you to undergo surgical removal of the tumor. Benign tumors still have the potential to spread or turn into malignant tumors. In addition, tumors of any type are at risk of damaging the bone structure.

2. Treatment of malignant tumors

If your tumor turns out to be malignant, you will receive treatment depending on the type of bone cancer, as well as to what extent the cancer cells have spread in the body.

The main treatments that doctors recommend to treat malignant tumors are surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Home treatment for bone tumors

The following lifestyle and home remedies can help you treat abnormal tissue in the bones, including:

• Follow the medical rules recommended by the doctor.
• Adjusting activities to support the body's recovery process from medical procedures.
• Eat healthy foods, get enough rest, and are good at managing stress.

Prevention of bone tumors

There is no specific way to prevent bone tumors. However, there are various things that can help you maintain healthy bones, such as:

• Quit smoking and limit alcohol.
• Eat foods that provide nutrients to your bones or bone-strengthening foods, such as calcium, vitamin D, or phosphorus from dairy products, fish, and nuts.
• Bask in the direct morning sun for about 10 minutes.
• Get regular exercise.