Bone cancer is abnormal and uncontrolled cell growth in the bones. Although it can appear anywhere on the body, it usually occurs more often on the arms, legs and hips. It is a rare group of cancers, making up only about 1% of all cancer cases.
While the exact cause of bone cancer is not fully understood, there are some indications of how this condition may occur. One of the main factors is changes in the genes that regulate the growth of body cells, which can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and the formation of tumors in the bones. However, there are also risk factors that cause bone cancer, such as a history of disease, Paget's disease, genetic disorders, and having had a bone marrow transplant.
Bone cancer can happen to anyone, the risk is higher in children, teenagers and young adults. Although most bone tumors are non-cancerous (benign), if they grow, they can damage bones and make them brittle and prone to fracture. So, what are the symptoms and how to prevent it?
Types of Bone Cancer
There are several types of bone cancer that can occur, one of the most common types is osteosarcoma . However, there are several other types of this disease:
- Osteosarcoma
This cancer is common and usually appears in the pelvis, legs and arms. Generally occurs at the age of 10 to 30 years, more often in men. - Chondrosarcoma
This type occurs in the cartilage in the shoulders, upper arms, thighs, ribs and pelvis. Usually more risky in women over the age of 40 years. - Ewing Sarcoma
This cancer tends to develop in the shins, thighs and hips, often occurring in teenagers aged 10 to 20 years, with only a small percentage of cases occurring in adults over 20 years. - Chordoma
This is a rare type of bone cancer that usually occurs in the skull or base of the spine, more often affecting men over the age of 30 years. - Fibrosarcoma
This type usually attacks soft tissue, but can sometimes also occur in the jawbone, legs or arms. Generally occurs in adults over the age of 40 years. - Giant cell tumor
Although it tends not to be malignant, this type is very aggressive and often occurs in the leg bones near the knees and arms. It rarely spreads to other parts of the body, but often recurs even though it has been removed.
Bone Cancer Symptoms
There are three main symptoms of bone cancer:
- Painful
Bone cancer sufferers will experience pain in the affected bone area. Initially, pain may occur sporadically, but will increase in frequency as the cancer progresses. The pain is usually more pronounced when moving and tends to get worse at night. - Swelling
Swelling and inflammation will appear around the bone area affected by cancer. If swelling occurs near a joint, sufferers may have difficulty moving, lifting weights, or walking. - Brittle bones
Bone cancer can cause bones to become brittle. In more severe conditions, even minor injuries can cause bone fractures.
Additional symptoms that may occur along with the three main symptoms above include:
- Weight loss for no apparent reason
- Excessive sweating at night
- Fever with a temperature of more than 38°C
- Anemia (lack of blood)
- Tired easily
- Sensation of numbness or numbness, especially if the cancer is pressing on the nerves in the spine
- Shortness of breath, especially if bone cancer spreads to the lungs
It is important to note that bone pain in adults can sometimes be confused with arthritis, while in children and teenagers, the condition is sometimes thought to be a side effect of bone growth.
Prevention
Unfortunately, there are no concrete steps that can be taken to prevent bone cancer because this disease is related to certain bone abnormalities, age, and genetic or hereditary factors.
Nevertheless, having regular health check-ups can help in early detection of this disease, allowing prompt treatment. The sooner bone cancer is detected, the greater the chance of cure. Regular check-ups are also important for people at high risk of bone cancer or other types of cancer.
Although there are no definitive preventive measures, a healthy lifestyle can help lower the risk:
- Stay active by exercising regularly and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
- Adopt a healthy diet by increasing consumption of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, fish and low-fat dairy products, and avoiding processed foods high in saturated fat.
- Maintain an ideal body weight through a combination of a healthy diet and physical activity, because obesity can increase the risk of cancer.
- If exposed to radiation in work or daily activities, be sure to use appropriate protection.
- Be aware of personal risk factors such as a family history of cancer or certain genetic conditions, and take appropriate preventative steps.
- Ensure adequate vitamin D intake for bone health.
- Avoid contact with dangerous chemicals or heavy metals that can increase the risk of bone cancer.
- Avoid activities that have a risk of causing bone injury. If injury occurs, seek appropriate medical treatment immediately.
Bone cancer, although relatively rare, is a serious disease that can affect anyone. Understanding the symptoms and risk factors can help in early detection and increase the chances of recovery. Although there is no sure way to prevent it, adopting a healthy lifestyle and getting regular check-ups can help lower the risk and improve overall health.
Article written by dr. Moch Nagieb, SpOT (K), FICS, MARS, AIFO-K, FiSQUA (Specialist in Orthopedics and Traumatology at EMC Alam Sutera Hospital).