-
Essay / Types of Bone Cancer
The second largest group of sarcomas is bone sarcomas or bone cancer. There are three types of bone sarcomas: osteosarcoma; Ewing sarcoma; and chondrosarcoma. Bone sarcomas are very rare, with approximately 2,890 new cases diagnosed each year in the United States and approximately 1,410 deaths. The incidence is slightly higher in men than women, and no race has a higher incidence than another, although Ewing sarcoma affects more European Americans. Bone sarcomas are very likely to be diagnosed in children; and due to the rarity and severity of bone cancer, a bone cancer specialist such as a pediatric oncologist or orthopedic oncologist should be consulted in the treatment of the disease. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”? Get the original essay Bones are made up of three types of tissue: compact tissue (the hard outer part of the bone), spongy tissue (the spongy tissue inside the bone containing the bone marrow) and subchondral tissue (the smooth bone tissue of the joints). Cartilage surrounds the subchondral tissue to form a cushion around the joints. Bone tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Benign bone tumors are rarely life-threatening and do not spread throughout the body; however, they can grow and compress healthy bone tissue. Cancer that develops in the bones is called primary bone cancer. It is differentiated by a secondary bone cancer that spreads to the bones from another part of the body. Primary bone cancer is rare with approximately 2,500 new cases diagnosed each year in the United States (this figure includes bone cancer that is not sarcoma). The most common type of primary bone cancer is osteosarcoma. Because it occurs in growing bones, it is most often found in children. Another type of primary bone cancer is chondrosarcoma, which is found in the cartilage. This cancer occurs more often in adults. Ewing sarcoma can occur as a bone sarcoma or a soft tissue sarcoma depending on the location of the tumor's origin. Scientists don't know exactly what causes bone cancer, but they have been able to identify some factors that can put a person at risk. Children and young adults who have had radiation or chemotherapy for other conditions are at increased risk of bone cancer. Additionally, adults with Paget's disease, a condition characterized by abnormal growth of new bone cells, are at increased risk of osteosarcoma. Certain hereditary diseases can also increase the risk of bone cancer. Symptoms of bone cancer can vary depending on the size and location of the tumor. Pain is the most common symptom. Tumors appearing in or around joints often cause swelling and tenderness. Tumors can also weaken bones, causing fractures. Some other symptoms may be weight loss, fatigue, and/or anemia. The first step in diagnosing primary bone cancer is taking a complete medical history and performing a physical examination by a doctor. The doctor may order a blood test to determine the level of an enzyme called alkaline phosphatase. About 55% of patients with primary bone cancer will have elevated alkaline phosphatase levels. However, it is not a completely reliable indicator of bone cancer, as bone growth in children will lead to an increase in.