What Is Bone Cancer?
Bone cancer is subdivided into two different types; primary and secondary. Primary bone cancer is when the cancer has started in the bone and secondary is when cancer from elsewhere in the body has spread to the bones. Secondary bone cancer is more common than primary simply because it is the result of cancer in another part of the body.
Primary bone cancer is rare and affects only about 600 people every year in the UK. It is slightly more common in men and can occur at any age. Within primary bone cancer, there are different forms: osteosarcoma, Ewing’s sarcoma, chondrosarcoma (a slow growing tumour that starts in cartilage), spindle cell sarcoma, chordoma (originating in the spine or neck), and angiosarcoma.
There are no definitive causes of bone cancer, with the misconception being that a knock or an injury to the bone causing the cancer. It is more likely that an injury will make a tumour or abnormalities more noticeable upon closer investigation. Unfortunately, there are not really any signs of bone cancer until there is substantial growth.
Also unusually for a cancer, it is slightly more common in younger people, making early detection very difficult. Pain, swelling and mobility difficulties are all symptoms of bone cancer, as well as possibly tiredness, fever, weight loss and fractures.
The LOC provides private bone cancer treatment, using the latest innovations in the field. The LOC’s oncological experts help to plan and implement the best form of treatment for the diagnosis, as well as outstanding bone cancer care.