What Is Bone Cancer?
Bone cancer is a rare and aggressive cancer that develops in the bones or surrounding tissues. While it can affect people of all ages, it’s most commonly diagnosed in children, adolescents, and young adults. Early detection and proper diagnosis are crucial for successful treatment.
Bone cancer originates in the bones or the soft tissues around them, including cartilage, muscles, and blood vessels. These tumors can disrupt bone growth, cause pain, and limit mobility.
What Is the Primary Bone Cancer?
Primary bone cancer refers to the tumors originating in the bones or surrounding tissues. This type of bone cancer does not include metastasized tumors, which typically arise in another location.
For example, cancer that starts in the lungs and spreads to the bones is still considered lung cancer, even though it has metastasized to the bones. Healthcare professionals may refer to this as “lung cancer with bone metastases.”
Secondary bone cancer, on the other side, starts in the other body part and then spreads to the bones via the bloodstream or lymph nodes.
What Are the Types of Bone Cancers?
There are two main categories of bone cancer:
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Osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone cancer, primarily affecting the arms and legs. It typically occurs during growth spurts in adolescence. Osteosarcoma affects osteoblasts, the cells that form new bone and is most common in teenagers during growth spurts
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Chondrosarcoma starts in cartilage cells and is more frequent in older adults.
Less common types of bone cancer include:
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Ewing's sarcoma. A rare but aggressive type of bone cancer that often affects younger children and can develop in the bones or the soft tissue around the bones.
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Fibrosarcoma originates in fibrous connective tissue within the bones.
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Giant cell tumor is a slow-growing type of bone cancer that can sometimes become cancerous.
What Causes Bone Cancer?
Bone cancer can affect anyone, but certain demographic factors can increase the likelihood of developing the disease. Age is a significant factor, with bone cancer being more common in older adults. However, some types, like osteosarcoma, are more prevalent in adolescents and young adults. Men are generally at a higher risk compared to women.
The exact cause of primary bone cancer remains unknown. However, several factors can contribute to an increased risk:
| Cause | Explanation |
|
Genetic predisposition |
A family history of genetic conditions like Li-Fraumeni syndrome (a rare inherited disease caused by a problem with a gene called TP53). |
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Radiation exposure |
Previous radiation therapy for treating other cancers can increase the risk of developing bone cancer in the treated area. |
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Chemical exposure |
Prolonged exposure to chemicals like herbicides and dioxins. |
|
Paget's disease |
A benign condition characterized by one of a few bone areas being more active than others. This usually happens in older people (after 50 years old) and can result in abnormal bone functioning, which makes them more susceptible to fracture. |
What Are the Symptoms of Bone Cancer?
Early symptoms of bone cancer can be subtle and easily mistaken for other conditions, such as arthritis in adults and growing pains in children and teenagers.
Here are some common symptoms to watch for:
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Persistent bone pain that worsens over time, especially at night;
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A new lump or swelling in the bone, often painless initially;
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Tenderness or discomfort in the affected area;
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Limited movement or difficulty using the affected limb;
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Unexplained fatigue, weight loss, or fever;
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Fractures with minimal trauma.
How to Diagnose Bone Cancer?
The best way to diagnose a specific type of bone cancer is to consider its location and examine a tissue sample.
Here’s what the diagnostic process looks like:
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Medical history and physical examination. The doctor inquires about the patient's medical history and conducts a physical exam.
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Imaging tests, like X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and bone scans, can reveal the tumor’s location, size, and extent.
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Biopsy. A tissue sample from the tumor is extracted and examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer cells.
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Genetic testing. In some cases, genetic testing can help determine if an inherited condition contributes to the cancer.
What Are the Types of Biopsy to Find Bone Cancer Cells?
The biopsy is a sure way to determine whether cancerous cells are present. The type of biopsy depends on whether the tumor looks like cancer and what kind of tumor it might be. Sometimes, a needle biopsy is enough, but other times, a larger sample is needed.
| Needle biopsy — inserting a needle |
Surgical (open) biopsy — cutting through the skin |
||
| Core needle biopsy | Fine needle aspiration (FNA) | Incisional biopsy | Excisional biopsy |
| A large needle removes a cylinder of tissue. | A thin needle takes a small sample of fluid and cells from the tumor. | Removing a piece of tumor. | Removing the entire tumor. |
What Are the Stages of Bone Cancer?
The staging of bone cancer depends on the size and location of the tumor. Understanding these stages is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment plan:
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Stage 1 is when the cancer is small and confined to the bone.
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Stage 2 is when the tumor is larger and may have spread to nearby tissues but not distant body parts.
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Stage 3 is when the cancer has spread to distant body parts, such as the lungs or liver.
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Stage 4 is when the cancer has spread to multiple distant parts of the body and is considered advanced.
The more specific way to determine bone cancer stage is to define it by the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) staging system (also known as the Enneking system). The doctors use three main factors:
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🔴 Grade (G) shows how abnormal the cancer cells look under a microscope. Low-grade cells are less likely to spread, while high-grade cells are more likely to spread.
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🟡 The extent of the primary tumor (T) tells whether the cancer is still inside the bone (T1) or has spread to nearby structures (T2).
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🟢 Metastasis (M) shows whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body (M1) or not (M0).
These factors are combined to give an overall stage, using Roman numerals from I to III. Stages I and II are further divided into A (tumor is inside the bone) or B (tumor has spread to nearby structures).
What Are the Bone Cancer Treatment Options?
The doctors must evaluate the tumor's stage and type before they start treating bone cancer.
Here are the main approaches used:
Surgery
It is the primary treatment for localized bone cancers. This may involve limb-sparing surgery to remove the tumor while preserving the limb or amputation in advanced cases.
Radiation therapy
This method uses high-energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells. Bone cancer involves beams of radiation explicitly directed at the cancerous areas of bone. It can be used before or after surgery to shrink tumors or kill remaining cancer cells.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy involves prescribing drugs that kill cancer cells throughout the body. It’s often used with surgery and radiation therapy to improve treatment outcomes. Chemotherapy can also affect healthy cells, leading to side effects during and after treatment.
Immunotherapy
Mifamurtide is a medication that stimulates the immune system to produce specialized cells that target and kill cancerous cells. It is typically recommended for young people with high-grade osteosarcomas and is given after surgery, in combination with chemotherapy, to help prevent the cancer from returning.
The latest treatment for bone cancer also includes monoclonal antibodies, such as nivolumab and ipilimumab. They stop cancer cells from spreading and block the enzymes needed for cell growth.
Targeted therapy
The method marks specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth and progression. They can be a promising option for advanced bone cancer research.
Which Countries Have the Best Treatment for Bone Cancer?
While the quality of bone tumor treatment is generally high in many countries, some regions have emerged as global leaders in this field. Here are a few countries we chose based on the Bookimed's Smart Ranking System:
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Germany is known for its rigorous medical standards and advanced healthcare system. Their cancer centers offer comprehensive care for bone cancer patients, including cutting-edge treatments and supportive services.
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Israel has a reputation for medical innovation and excellence. Their cancer centers have state-of-the-art technology and the best orthopedic oncology surgeons.
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India has become a popular destination for medical tourism, offering affordable yet high-quality healthcare, including bone cancer treatment. Their hospitals often combine traditional and modern medical practices.
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Turkey has experienced rapid growth in its healthcare sector, with many hospitals offering advanced treatments for bone cancers. They are known for their competitive pricing and high-quality care.
What Is the Best Bone Cancer Treatment Center?
One of the best centers for bone cancer diagnosis and treatment is Anadolu Medical Center in Turkey. The head orthopedic oncologist, Dr. Bülent Karagöz, has over 31 years of experience and membership in the Turkish Medical Oncology Association. It's also the best hospital to treat Ewing's sarcoma in Turkey.
The doctors at Anadolu Center apply the following techniques to remove damaged tissue carefully:
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Limb-salvage surgery removes the cancerous tissue and some healthy tissue around it while preserving the limb.
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Amputation to remove a whole limb or some of its parts.
They also apply the latest robotic techniques to treat bone metastases:
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CyberKnife is a non-surgical option where doctors target high-dose radiation, specifically on tumor cells. It is entirely painless and requires fewer treatment sessions.
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Varian Edge is the newest linear accelerator for stereotaxic radiation therapy, successfully targeting bone cancer remains.
What Is the Estimated Bone Cancer Treatment Cost?
The cost of bone cancer treatment depends on several factors, including:
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Type of bone cancer. The doctors treat bone cancer differently based on specific cell characteristics.
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The cancer stage indicates how far it has spread, which will influence the complexity and duration of treatment.
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Treatment options, such as surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy, will have varying costs.
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Geographic location. Costs can differ significantly between countries due to variations in healthcare systems, living expenses, and exchange rates.
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Insurance coverage. The extent of insurance coverage can significantly affect out-of-pocket expenses.
Here's a general breakdown of how much it costs to treat bone cancer:
| Treatment | Estimated cost |
| Surgery |
$10,000 - $50,000 or more |
| Radiation therapy |
$10,000 - $30,000 |
| Chemotherapy |
$5,000 - $20,000 per cycle |
| Targeted therapy |
$5,000 - $20,000 per month |
Please note that these are estimates, and actual costs may vary. If you want a total treatment cost for the specific case, contact the Bookimed coordinator.
Which Countries Offer the Most Affordable Treatment?
While the cost of bone cancer treatment can vary significantly, several countries are known for offering affordable options without compromising the quality of care. Here are a few popular choices:
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India has emerged as a leading medical tourism destination, offering high-quality healthcare at competitive prices. Many hospitals in India specialize in bone cancer treatment and have experienced medical teams.
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Turkey has seen a surge in medical tourism, with many hospitals offering world-class facilities and advanced treatments for bone cancer. Their competitive pricing and excellent care have made them a popular choice.
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Thailand is another popular destination for medical tourism, known for its beautiful scenery and affordable healthcare. Their hospitals often combine traditional and modern medical practices.
How To Choose the Best Hospital for Bone Cancer?
When choosing a country for bone cancer treatment, consider the following criteria:
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Reputation of the hospital or cancer center;
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Experience of the medical team;
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Availability of advanced treatments and technologies;
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Cost of treatment;
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Language and cultural considerations.
We understand that finding the best hospital for bone cancer is time-consuming. That's why you can always submit a request on Bookimed and get your personalized treatment plan from the medical coordinator.
How Can Bookimed Help You Choose the Best Hospital?
Bookimed can help you find the best hospital for bone cancer treatment by:
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Providing personalized recommendations based on your specific needs.
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Offering detailed information about hospitals, including their specialties, experience, success rates, and patient reviews.
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Assisting with cost comparison to help you find the most affordable option.
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Providing medical tourism assistance if you need to travel for treatment.
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Offering 24/7 support to answer your questions and guide you through the process.
By using Bookimed, you can find a hospital that offers the best combination of expertise, quality of care, and affordability for your bone cancer treatment.
References
Bone cancer symptoms and treatments. NHS inform. URL: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/cancer/cancer-types-in-adults/bone-cancer/ (date of access: 19.09.2024).
Osteosarcoma. Johns Hopkins Medicine. URL: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/sarcoma/osteosarcoma (date of access: 19.09.2024).
Testing for Bone Cancer. Information and Resources about Cancer: Breast, Colon, Lung, Prostate, Skin | American Cancer Society. URL: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/bone-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/how-diagnosed.html (date of access: 19.09.2024).
UCSF Bone Cancer Clinical Trials – San Francisco Bay Area. Clinical Trials at UCSF. URL: https://clinicaltrials.ucsf.edu/bone-cancer (date of access: 19.09.2024).