Causes and risk factors
The exact cause of cancer is not known. The primary bone cancers are the sarcomas. affecting the different types of cells of the bone tissue. The cells undergo an uncontrolled and abnormal proliferation. Genetic predisposition is one of the major causes. Hereditary plays a major role. People with weak immune system are more prone for bone cancer. Secondary bone tumors are the metastasis or spread of cancers from other parts of the body.
Clinical presentation:
Bone cancer can affect any bone of the body but the commonest site of affection is long bone of arms and legs. Bone pain is the characteristic features. Swelling in the affected area, Stiffness and tenderness of bones is seen. The patient experiences difficulty in movement, it aggravates the complaints. Weight loss, fatigue, loss of appetite, anemia and stumbling is the other associated symptoms seen.
Investigations:
Diagnosis is done on the basis of symptoms narrated by the patient and the examination carried out by the doctor. Head to toe examination is carried out. Biopsy for testing of bone tissues is the diagnostic test. Certain other investigations like routine blood test, X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, PET are other test indicated.
Treatment:
Surgical excision of the cancerous cells is the first line of treatment. After surgical intervention radiation therapy is used. Targeted chemotherapy and immunotherapy agents are administered.
Other modes of treatment:
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up the symptom. Taking into consideration the symptoms in holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms.
Recent update:
As per the article published in medindia A doctor has said that early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the risk of bone cancer Ewing’s Sarcoma, which occurs mostly in children aged between 10 to 20 years.
