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Primary bone cancer begins when a cancerous tumour forms in a bone, and it can start in any bone of the body.1
Cancer can also spread to the bones from other parts of the body. This is known as secondary or metastatic bone cancer.2 Primary and secondary (metastatic) bone cancers are different conditions.2
- Primary bone cancer is regarded as a rare cancer, with approximately 80 people in Australia diagnosed in 2021.3 Some types of primary bone cancer are more common in children than adults.1
- Secondary bone cancer is usually named after the primary site where it started.4 If you have secondary bone cancer, you may therefore hear it referred to as, for example, breast cancer with bone metastases (where breast cancer was the primary cancer).
Doctors often refer to primary bone cancers as bone sarcoma. There are more than 30 different types of primary bone cancer, and the three regarded as the most common are:2
- Osteosarcoma– usually begins in cells that grow bone tissue
- Chondrosarcoma– usually begins in cells that grow cartilage
- Ewing sarcoma – typically affects cells in the bone or soft tissue that can multiply rapidly
A common symptom of bone cancer is pain or tenderness in the bones or joints, which may worsen at night or with movement.2 Other symptoms may include but are not limited to:2
- Swelling over the affected area
- Bone stiffness or tenderness
- Unintended weight loss
- Fatigue
- Bone fractures
- Issues with movement
If you have any of these symptoms, this does not necessarily mean that you have bone cancer. It is recommended to speak with your GP or specialist about any concerns or questions that you may have.
There is no clear cause of bone cancer. However, some factors appear to increase the risk. These may include:1,2
- Inherited genetic conditions, such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome or hereditary retinoblastoma
- Paget's disease or other bone conditions
- Radiation therapy for cancer, particularly during childhood
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If you meet with your GP and they are concerned about any of your symptoms or risk factors, they may refer you to a specialist for a consultation and testing. Tests to diagnose bone cancer may include:1,2
- Physical examination
- Blood tests
- Biopsy – involves removing a small sample of cells and tissue from the affected area for examination in a laboratory to determine if cancer is present and, if so, its type, stage, size and whether it is growing
- Imaging tests – these may include X-rays, a computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or a positron emission tomography (PET) scan, used to check for bone abnormalities or damage
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The recommended treatment options for bone cancer will depend on a range of factors including the type of cancer, how advanced it is, location, and your own individual circumstances and preferences.1 Treatments may include one or a combination of:1,2
Chemotherapy is an approach to cancer therapy that involves the administration of medicine, usually orally or by injection, which is intended to kill cancer cells or minimise their growth and spread. Chemotherapy can be used in conjunction with other cancer treatments.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays or other particles to treat cancer and can be used at all stages.
Surgery for bone cancer is often combined with other treatments. The surgeon will discuss options directly with patients, and where possible, the bone cancer will be removed, with the aim being to spare the limb.
Treatment side effects
All cancer treatments can cause side effects, and the type and severity will vary between individuals.5,6 You should ask your doctor for detailed information about the possible side effects of any treatment recommended for you.
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Support services
Cancer Council Australia
Australia's leading cancer charity, Cancer Council aims to lead a cohesive approach to reduce the impact of cancer.
Rare Cancers Australia (RCA)
RCA is dedicated to improving the lives and health outcomes of Australians affected by rare and less common cancers.
Sock It To Sarcoma
Sock it to Sarcoma! strives to improve the quality of life for people living with sarcoma.
- Pullan, J. E., & Lotfollahzadeh, S. (2022, December). Primary bone cancer. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. Retrieved February 2024, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560830/
- Cancer Council Australia. (2023, September). Bone cancer. Retrieved February 2024, from https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/bone-cancer
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2021). Cancer in Australia 2021. Retrieved February 2024, from https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cancer/cancer-in-australia-2021/summary
- Cancer Council Australia. (n.d.). Understanding secondary bone cancer: Information for people affected by cancer. Retrieved February 2024, from https://www.cancer.org.au/assets/pdf/understanding-secondary-bone-cancer-factsheet
- Cancer Council Australia. (2022, July). Nutrition for people living with cancer. Retrieved February 2024, from https://www.cancer.org.au/assets/pdf/nutrition-and-cancer-booklet
- Cancer Council Australia. (2019, March). Exercise for people living with cancer. Retrieved February 2024, from https://www.cancer.org.au
- Cancer Council Australia. (2022, August). Understanding chemotherapy. Retrieved February 2024, from https://www.cancer.org.au
- Cancer Council Australia. (2022, November). Emotions and cancer. Retrieved February 2024, from https://www.cancer.org.au/assets/pdf/emotions-and-cancer-booklet
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