Bone cancer is a condition in which abnormal cells grow uncontrollably within the bones, forming a tumor that weakens bone structure and spreads to surrounding tissues. It can develop directly in the bone (primary bone cancer like osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, or chondrosarcoma) or spread from another part of the body (secondary or metastatic bone cancer). Symptoms often include bone pain, swelling, fractures, fatigue, and reduced mobility. Early diagnosis is crucial, as timely treatment with surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation can significantly improve outcomes and prevent complications.
What are the Signs of Bone Cancer?
Before bone cancer is diagnosed, a patient often goes through a period of persistent, unexplained discomfort that gradually becomes harder to ignore. The pain may start mildly and feel like a dull ache, often mistaken for a sports injury or muscle strain. Over time, the pain intensifies, mobility decreases, and swelling or a lump may appear around the affected area. Daily activities become difficult, and simple movements may trigger sharp pain or even fractures. This growing discomfort often pushes the patient to seek medical help, leading to further evaluation. Common symptoms of a bone cancer patient are:
- Chronic bone pain that worsens at night or during activity
- Swelling or a lump on the affected bone.
- Frequent or unexplained bone fractures.
- Stiffness, limited mobility, or joint discomfort
- Unintentional Weight Loss
- Fatigue or weakness
- Numbness or tingling (if the tumour presses against nerves)
What are the Types of Bone Cancer?
After receiving a diagnosis, the patient discovers important information about their specific type of bone cancer and potential complications. Below are the various types of bone cancer.
Osteosarcoma
The most common primary bone cancer, seen mostly in children, teens, and young adults. It begins in the cells that form new bone, causing the bone to become weak and painful. It usually affects fast-growing bones like the knee, hip, or upper arm. This cancer tends to spread quickly, especially to the lungs, making early diagnosis crucial.
Chondrosarcoma
Starting in the cartilage, the firm, rubbery material that cushions joints, this cancer grows slowly but can become aggressive with time. It typically occurs in adults over 40 and develops in areas like the pelvis, thigh bone, or shoulder. Some types remain low-grade, while others can spread rapidly to other parts of the body.
Ewing Sarcoma
A highly aggressive cancer usually affecting children and teenagers. It may arise in the bones or the surrounding soft tissues. Common locations include the pelvis, legs, ribs, and arms. The tumor often causes swelling, severe pain, and sometimes fever, which can make it easy to confuse with an infection or injury.
Fibrosarcoma & Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma (MFH)
These rare cancers develop in the soft tissues, such as ligaments, tendons, or muscle, but can invade the nearby bone. They usually affect middle-aged adults and may present as a growing, painful lump. Because they mimic other tumors, detailed imaging and biopsy are often required for diagnosis.
Chordoma
A slow-growing yet challenging cancer that develops in the spine or base of the skull. It typically affects older adults and can press on nerves, causing pain, numbness, or neurological symptoms. Despite its slow growth, it can be difficult to remove completely due to its location near vital structures.
Causes and Risk Factors of Bone Cancer
1. Genetic Mutations
Certain inherited or acquired gene changes can disrupt normal bone cell growth. Conditions like Li-Fraumeni syndrome or hereditary retinoblastoma increase the risk. Even in people without inherited disorders, random DNA mutations during bone growth can trigger cancer formation.
2. Previous Radiation Therapy
High-dose radiation used to treat earlier cancers can damage bone cells over time. Years later, these damaged cells may begin dividing abnormally, leading to bone cancer. This is more common in areas directly exposed to radiation, such as the pelvis, spine, or limbs.
3. Rapid Bone Growth in Teenagers
Bone cancer—especially osteosarcoma—is seen more often in teens experiencing sudden growth spurts. Fast-growing bones may be more prone to developing abnormal cell changes during this phase, making young people a higher-risk group.
4. Paget’s Disease of Bone
A condition seen in older adults where bones grow weak, deformed, and more fragile. The abnormal bone remodeling process increases the chance of malignant transformation, especially in the pelvis, spine, and thigh bone.
5. Bone Injuries or Chronic Bone Irritation
While injuries themselves don’t directly cause cancer, long-term inflammation or repeated stress on specific bones may create an environment that encourages abnormal cell growth.
6. Weakened Immune System
People with compromised immunity—due to infections, long-term illness, or medications—may have a reduced ability to detect and destroy abnormal cells, increasing the risk of some rare bone cancers.
What Treatments are Recommended for Patients with Bone Cancer?
Bone cancer treatment depends on the type of tumor, stage, location, size, and the patient’s overall health. Specialists often use a combination of therapies to control the disease, relieve pain, and preserve limb function.
1. Surgery
Surgery removes the tumor completely and makes sure healthy bone and muscle are preserved as much as possible. On a case-by-case basis, limb-sparing surgery is performed, where the affected bone is removed and replaced with a metal implant or bone graft. and if it is a severe case where the cancer cannot be safely removed, amputation may be the only option, followed by prosthetic support and rehabilitation. Recovery usually takes a few weeks to months depending on the complexity.
2. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses strong cancer-fighting drugs to kill abnormal cells or shrink tumors before surgery. It is commonly used for cancers like osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma. Treatment is given in cycles over several months through IV infusions. Patients may experience side effects like nausea or fatigue, but these are managed with supportive medications. Chemotherapy can also be given after surgery to prevent cancer from returning.
3. Radiation Therapy
Radiation uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells. It’s especially effective for bone cancers that respond poorly to surgery, such as Ewing sarcoma. Radiation may be used before surgery to shrink the tumor or after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. Sessions are usually given 5 days a week for several weeks. Newer methods like IMRT or proton therapy help protect surrounding healthy tissues.
4. Targeted Therapy
This treatment works by attacking specific genetic changes or proteins found in cancer cells. It is used in certain bone cancers like chondrosarcoma or metastatic bone tumors with identifiable mutations. Targeted therapy generally causes fewer side effects than chemotherapy and is taken orally or through IV infusions.
5. Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells more effectively. It may be recommended for patients whose tumors contain specific markers or in cases where standard treatments are not effective. Immunotherapy can be used alone or combined with chemotherapy.
6. Bone Strengthening Medications (Bisphosphonates or Denosumab)
These medicines do not treat the cancer directly but help reduce bone pain, prevent fractures, and strengthen weakened bones. They are often used when the cancer weakens the bone or spreads to other bones.
7. Pain Management & Palliative Care
Pain relief is a major part of bone cancer treatment. Doctors use medications, nerve blocks, physiotherapy, and lifestyle modifications to help patients stay comfortable throughout treatment. Palliative care works alongside curative therapy to improve daily functioning and emotional well-being.
8. Rehabilitation & Physiotherapy
After surgery or long treatments, patients undergo rehabilitation to regain strength, mobility, and independence. This includes exercises, gait training, and prosthetic support if needed. Recovery time varies from weeks to months depending on the severity of the case.
Why Choose Artemis Hospitals, Gurugram, for Bone Cancer Treatment?
Artemis Hospitals Gurugram offers advanced, multidisciplinary care for bone cancer, combining the expertise of orthopedic oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation specialists, and reconstructive surgeons. The hospital uses state-of-the-art diagnostic tools like high-resolution MRI, PET-CT, and digital pathology to identify the exact tumor type and stage accurately. This ensures patients receive an early, precise diagnosis, which is critical for improving outcomes in complex bone cancers.
What sets Artemis apart is its personalized treatment planning and limb-preserving approach. Specialists focus on saving the affected limb whenever possible through advanced surgical techniques, custom implants, and specialized reconstruction. To learn more, call +91 98004 00498 and book an appointment with Artemis Hospitals’ specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the early signs of bone cancer?
Early signs often include persistent bone pain, swelling, reduced movement, or fractures without major injury. These symptoms may worsen at night or during activity. Early evaluation is important for timely diagnosis.
Is bone cancer curable?
Yes, bone cancer can be curable, especially when diagnosed early. Success depends on the cancer type, stage, and treatment approach. Many patients recover with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination.
How is bone cancer diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves X-rays, MRI/CT scans, PET-CT, blood tests, and a biopsy. These tests help identify the tumor type, size, and whether it has spread. A biopsy confirms the exact cancer cell type.
What treatment options are available for bone cancer?
Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Many cases require a combination approach for best results. Limb-sparing surgeries are preferred over amputation.
Does bone cancer only affect older adults?
No. Bone cancer can affect people of any age. Osteosarcoma is more common in teenagers, while chondrosarcoma appears more often in adults. Paget’s disease–related cancers occur in older adults.
Can bone cancer spread to other parts of the body?
Yes, bone cancer can spread—most commonly to the lungs or other bones. Early treatment and regular follow-up help monitor and control its spread.
What causes bone cancer?
Most causes are unknown, but risks include genetic disorders, radiation exposure, rapid bone growth in teens, and Paget’s disease. Not everyone with these factors develops cancer.
How long does recovery take after bone cancer surgery?
Recovery varies based on surgery type and overall health. Many patients need weeks to months for healing and physiotherapy. Limb-sparing procedures often require structured rehabilitation.
Can bone cancer return after treatment?
Yes, recurrence is possible. This is why regular check-ups, imaging, and follow-up care are essential even after successful treatment. Early detection of recurrence improves management.
Does Artemis Hospitals provide limb-salvage surgery for bone cancer?
Yes, Artemis offers advanced limb-salvage surgeries using custom implants and reconstruction methods. The goal is to remove the tumor while preserving function and appearance whenever possible.
What advanced technologies does Artemis use for bone cancer diagnosis?
Artemis uses high-resolution MRI, PET-CT, digital pathology, and image-guided biopsy systems. These tools accurately identify tumor stage and spread, ensuring precise treatment planning.
Are multidisciplinary cancer specialists available at Artemis?
Yes, bone cancer patients are managed by a team of orthopedic oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation experts, physiotherapists, and rehabilitation specialists, ensuring comprehensive care under one roof.
Does Artemis offer rehabilitation support after surgery?
Absolutely. The hospital provides structured rehabilitation, including physiotherapy, pain management, gait training, and psychological support, helping patients regain strength and mobility confidently.
