Primary bone cancer is extremely rare. The American Cancer Society says it accounts for less than one half of one percent of all other cancers combined. The ACS says approximately 2,600 people in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer that originates in the bone in 2009. Nearly 1,500 people will die from the disease. The National Cancer Institute says primary bone cancer is more likely to strike children than adults. The prognosis for primary bone cancer can vary.
Primary Bone Cancer
Malignant tumors that begin in bone tissue are referred to primary bone cancer. Primary bone cancer is different from secondary (metastatic) bone cancer. In secondary bone cancer, the cancer starts in a different location and spreads to the bones.
The ACS says the three most common types of primary bone cancer are: osteosarcoma (occurring most often in growing bone tissue), chondrosarcoma (develops in cartilage) and Ewing's sarcoma (grows mainly in immature bone tissue).
The National Institutes of Health says osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma most often strike children and young people under age 20 while adults over age 50 are more susceptible to chondrosarcoma.
Causes
The cause of primary bone cancer is largely a mystery. However, adults who suffer from Paget's disease of the bone (an abnormal development of new bone cells) may be at a higher risk of developing osteosarcoma. Bone cancer can strike any bone but it most often develops in the long bones of your legs or arms.
Symptoms
Primary bone cancer can have many symptoms but the most common complaint is pain. Other warning signs can include swelling and tenderness in the joints, weakened bones, fever, fatigue and anemia.
Treatment
While the specifics of bone cancer treatment can vary depending on its size, stage and location, it generally includes surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
The NIH says sometimes cryosurgery is used in place of standard surgery to destroy the tumor. Cryosurgery uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and kill cancer cells.
In severe and advanced cases of bone cancer, treatments may include amputation.
Complications
Complications due to bone cancer may include the deterioration of bones and resulting fractures. If the cancer moves to other parts of the body problems may develop in the affected organ.
Prognosis
The prognosis for primary bone cancer depends on several factors including the size, the stage, the location and the type of bone cancer.
Other considerations include the patient's age, overall health, his response to treatment (chemotherapy and radiation) and the results of blood tests and other exams.
If you have questions about your survival, your doctor or cancer care team can provide answers that are more specific to your case.
Survival Rates
Statistics provided by the NIH show the overall five-year relative survival rate for the period from 1999 to 2005 was just more than 68 percent.
White women had the highest survival rate at nearly 73 percent. That compared to 65 percent for white men.
The survival rate for African-Americans was slightly lower. Approximately 67 percent of black women and 65 percent of black men were still alive five years after diagnosis.
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