Bone Cancer

Bone cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the bone tissue. It is less common than many other cancers. Sometimes cancer can also spread to the bones from another organ (like the breast, lung, or prostate). That is called bone metastasis and is different from primary bone cancer.

Bone cancer can affect any bone, but it is most often seen in the long bones of the arms and legs, the pelvis, and, less often, the spine.

Types of Bone Cancer

Osteosarcoma

The most common primary bone cancer. It often affects teenagers and young adults, most often in the bones around the knee or the upper arm.

Ewing sarcoma

Often seen in children and teenagers. It can affect bones and sometimes nearby soft tissue.

Chondrosarcoma

More common in adults. It starts in cartilage cells and often affects the pelvis, hips, or shoulder area.

Common Symptoms

Bone cancer symptoms can look like injury pain at first. Common signs include:

• Bone pain that does not go away and may get worse at night
• Swelling or a lump near a bone or joint
• Difficulty moving a nearby joint
• Weakness in the affected area
• Bone fracture with minor injury (because the bone becomes weak)
• Unexplained weight loss, tiredness, or fever (in some cases)

Risk Factors

Bone cancer can happen without a clear reason, but the risk may be higher with:

• Past radiation therapy
• Certain genetic conditions or family history (rare)
• Paget disease of bone (in older adults, for some types)
• Previous bone problems in specific cases (rare)

How Bone Cancer is Diagnosed

Doctors use symptoms, scans, and tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Common tests

• X-ray of the affected bone
• MRI or CT scan to see the size and spread
• Bone scan or PET scan in selected cases
• Blood tests (supportive, not confirmatory)
• Biopsy (the most important test to confirm cancer type)

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the type of bone cancer, location, stage, and overall health.

Surgery

Often, the main treatment. Doctors remove the tumor and try to save the limb when possible.

Chemotherapy

Used in some bone cancers (like osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma), either before or after surgery.

Radiation therapy

Used in selected cancers (often Ewing sarcoma or when surgery is not possible).

Targeted or other advanced treatments

In some cases, doctors may use advanced therapies based on cancer type and test results.

Supportive care

To manage pain, improve strength, and support recovery during treatment.

When to Seek Medical Help Quickly

Get medical help if you have:

• Bone pain that lasts more than 2–3 weeks and keeps worsening
• A growing lump or swelling near a bone
• Pain with fever or unexplained weight loss
• A fracture after a small injury
• Numbness, weakness, or severe back pain (possible spine involvement)

Specialists to Consult

• Orthopedic oncologist (bone tumor specialist)
• Medical oncologist
• Radiation oncologist (if needed)
• Physiotherapist (rehabilitation and mobility support)

Explore Bone Cancer Care

This category includes medicines used in bone cancer treatment and supportive care, based on a specialist plan and ongoing monitoring.