Cancer that originates in the bone — primary
bone cancer — is rare. Fewer than 2,500 Americans are diagnosed with this type of cancer each year. The condition affects
more children than adults.
The most common forms of primary bone
cancer are:
Osteosarcoma, which occurs primarily in growing bone tissue Chondrosarcoma, which occurs in cartilage
Ewing's
sarcoma, which arises primarily in immature tissue in bone marrow Osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma occur most often in children,
adolescents and young adults, ages 10 to 20. Chondrosarcoma is more common in adults over 50. Treatment of bone cancer depends on the type of bone cancer,
as well as its location, size and stage.
Symptoms Pain is the most common
bone cancer symptom. Although bone cancer can arise in any of your bones, it most frequently occurs in the long bones of your
arms and legs.
Other possible symptoms and signs of bone
cancer include:
- Weakened bones, sometimes leading to fractures
- Joint swelling and tenderness (for tumors in or near joints)
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Unintended weight loss
- Anemia
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