Bone cancer is a pathology that affects a percentage of the population. In some cases they are primary tumors and in others bone metastases. A complete diagnosis is especially important to apply the most appropriate treatment for each patient.
What is a bone tumor?
We speak of a bone tumor when an abnormal proliferation or multiplication of cells occurs inside a bone.. In some cases, these cells have characteristics that make them malignant bone tumors. In this case, the growth is very rapid and can affect other organs. On other occasions, the cells do not present abnormal characteristics and are benign bone tumorsHowever, the patient will have to attend periodic check-ups.
Depending on the characteristics of the tumor, the primary bone tumors, which are those that arise directly in the bone, and the secondary bone tumors, in this case, are metastases from tumors located in other organs of the human body.
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Request a medical evaluationCauses of bone tumors
The causes of bone tumors are very varied, they all have in common an uncontrolled growth of cells. In some cases, the causes may be hereditary and related to genetic alterations.
In other patients, bone tumors appear as a consequence of injuries or pathologiesFor example, Paget's disease of bone, in which excessive bone breakdown occurs.
In cancer patients, bone tumors, can appear as a consequence of radiotherapy or chemotherapy treatments.
What are the symptoms of bone tumors?
Depending on the causes,The symptoms of bone tumors vary from patient to patient., it is common for the patient to experience constant stabbing pain. Additionally, in some cases inflammation may appear in the area.
In the most severe cases, bone tumor causes weakness in the bone, which can lead to breaks and fractures of bones without trauma or falls causing impact on the bone.
Types of bone tumors
There are different types of tumors bone depending on the causes and characteristics they present. Fundamentally, they can be divided into two large groups: primary bone tumors and the secondary bone tumors, the differences between the two are mainly due to their origin.
Primary bone tumors
Primary bone tumors are those that originate directly in the bone tissue. due to abnormal growth of bone cells. There are different types of primary bone tumors, depending on their composition and characteristics. First of all, it differentiates osteosarcoma, which usually reproduces in long bones of the legs and arms.
The chondrosarcoma, is a type of tumor that usually occurs in the bones, although on some occasions, it can start in soft tissues close to the bones. The places where this tumor most often appears are the hip, pelvis and shoulder.
The fibrosarcoma It is a cancer that originates in fibrous tissue, affecting it. This fibrous tissue is found in tendons, responsible for joining muscles and bones.
Lastly, the Ewing sarcoma, It is a type of bone tumor, which, in most cases, develops in children and young patients under twenty years of age. Its main cause is due to the fusion of two genes. Currently, its incidence in the population is very low.
Secondary bone tumors
On the other hand, they differentiate secondary bone tumors or bone metastases. These tumors are develop from primary tumors located in other organs, and are more frequent than primary tumors. Bone metastases can occur via the bloodstream, that is, the cancer cells are transported through the blood. The treatment of secondary bone tumors is the same as that of benign tumors.
The bone metastases They are especially common in some types of cancer, such as prostate, breast, lung or kidney cancer.
Pseudotumors
Some examples of pseudotumors are dysplasias or hemarthroses, which although they have a behavior similar to that of a tumor, they are not. Its treatment is the same as that of benign tumors.
Detection of bone tumors
If symptoms appear, the patient should go to the traumatologist specializing in bone tumors. First, a physical examination will be performed, in which those points in which the patient manifests the most pain will be observed. A blood test will be performed, which will detect possible anomalies, as well as tumor markers.
In most cases, diagnostic imaging tests, such as x-rays or MRIs, will be necessary. In addition, other tests will be carried out, e.g. CT scans, which will detect the existence of metastases in other organs, or grammagraphies, which, by introducing a contrast material, allow images of the bones to be obtained, allowing the detection of diseases in very early stages.
Upon detection of a bone lesion or tumor, the specialist can make the decision to perform a biopsy.. This test is performed using a needle that allows samples of the bone to be extracted for later analysis.
Main treatments for bone tumors
There are different treatments for bone tumors, depending on the characteristics of the patient's tumor, as well as their previous clinical history. The most common treatments for bone cancer are the radiotherapy and the chemotherapy, in which various drugs are used, which can be administered orally or intravenously, to destroy cancer cells.
In some cases, surgery may be carried out with the aim of removing the patient's tumor; normally, complementary treatment based on radiotherapy or chemotherapy will be performed. In recent years, the cryosurgery for the treatment of bone tumors, consists of a surgery in which liquid nitrogen is used to destroy the tumor with very low temperatures.
Finally, in some patients, targeted therapy is chosen. In this case, a combination of drugs is used that act directly on the proteins and genes of cancer cells, slowing their evolution. As well as, stem cell treatments.
Prevention of bone tumors
As has been explained, in many cases bone cancer is related to genetic alterations and it is inevitable. However, There are certain guidelines that could help prevent the appearance of bone tumors. As well as avoiding risk factors.
First, control body weight, since body mass index directly affects bone health. To do this, it is advisable to follow a healthy diet, based on proteins and vegetables, as well as avoid a sedentary lifestyle, doing low-impact sports activity.
As has been seen, there are certain recommendations that can prevent bone tumors. It is important to go to a specialized traumatologist when symptoms or bone pain appear, who can make an appropriate diagnosis.
4 thoughts on “Causas y síntomas de los tumores óseos”
I HAVE A TUMOR IN MY RIGHT THUMB, I HOPE THEY CAN OPERATE ON ME, BECAUSE IT SEEMS TO BE WEARING IT TO THE BONE. YEARS AGO I HAD A CUT ON MY FINGERS, AND THE THUMB AND THE TIP WAS AFFECTED, BUT NOW THE TUMOR IS THERE
GOOD THANKS FOR THE INFORMATION, IT REALLY HELPS US A LOT.
Good morning William,
Thanks for your comment.
If you need to obtain a complete diagnosis about your tumor, you can request a appointment with Prof. Dr. Elgeadi.
All the best.
Good night.
I hope this email finds you well.
I was a volunteer in Uganda and Kenya for 5 years. Last year I suffered a lot of health problems, and I was evacuated to Spain with severe malaria and septicemia.
In the tropical diseases unit of the Carlos III hospital, I was also diagnosed with Q fever and another infection that I don't remember.
I was treated very well.
But then came epilepsy, nerves and a weakened immune system.
Currently I am fine with controlled epilepsy, but I often fear more than necessary for my health.
I have had acute discomfort in my index finger for more than two months. I am on corticosteroid cream and fungicide treatment, but it doesn't improve. My pollen cheers have increased, so I don't know if I'm being alarmist or if I should order an x-ray or something.
The finger doesn't get better, and it peels off all the time.
What dou you recommend??
An affectionate greeting 🫂.
Nerea Monge.
Hello Nerea,
It is difficult to establish a therapeutic attitude without knowing the case well, so in order to make a firm and reasoned decision it is necessary to assess the patient in person and perform a correct examination.
Therefore, in cases like this, at least an in-person assessment is necessary to be able to make a judgment. We will be happy to provide you with an appointment at your convenience.
Greetings