BACK
TO
TOP
Browse A-Z

 
E-mail Form
Email Results

 
 
Print-Friendly
Bookmarks
bookmarks-menu

Bone tumor

Tumor - bone; Bone cancer; Primary bone tumor; Secondary bone tumor; Bone tumor - benign

A bone tumor is an abnormal growth of cells within a bone. A bone tumor may be cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign).

Causes

The cause of bone tumors is unknown. They often occur in areas of the bone that grow rapidly. Possible causes include:

  • Genetic defects passed down through families
  • Radiation
  • Injury

In most cases, no specific cause is found.

Osteochondromas are the most common noncancerous (benign) bone tumors. They occur most often in young people between the ages of 10 and 20.

Cancers that start in the bones are called primary bone tumors. Bone cancers that start in another part of the body (such as the breast, lungs, or colon) are called secondary or metastatic bone tumors. They behave very differently from primary bone tumors.

Cancerous primary bone tumors include:

Cancers that most often spread to the bone are cancers of the:

  • Breast
  • Kidney
  • Lung
  • Prostate
  • Thyroid

These forms of cancer usually affect older people.

Bone cancer is more common in people who have a family history of cancers.

Symptoms

Symptoms of bone tumor may include any of the following:

  • Bone fracture, especially from slight injury (trauma)
  • Bone pain, may be worse at night
  • Occasionally a mass and swelling can be felt at the tumor site

Some benign tumors have no symptoms.

Exams and Tests

The health care provider will perform a physical exam. Tests that may be done include:

The following tests may also be ordered to monitor the disease:

Treatment

Some benign bone tumors go away on their own and do not need treatment. Your provider will closely monitor you. You will likely need regular imaging tests, such as x-rays, to see if the tumor shrinks or grows.

Surgery may be needed to remove the tumor in some cases.

Treatment for cancerous bone tumors that have spread from other parts of the body depends on where the cancer started. Radiation therapy may be given to prevent fractures or to relieve pain. Chemotherapy may be used to prevent fractures or the need for surgery or radiation.

Tumors that start in the bone are rare. After biopsy, a combination of chemotherapy and surgery is usually necessary. Radiation therapy may be needed before or after surgery.

Support Groups

You can ease the stress of illness by joining a cancer support group. Sharing with others who have common experiences and problems can help you not feel alone.

Outlook (Prognosis)

How well you do depends on the type of bone tumor.

Outcome is usually good in people with noncancerous (benign) tumors. But some benign bone tumors can turn into cancer.

People with cancerous bone tumors that have not spread may be cured. The cure rate depends on the type of cancer, location, size, and other factors. Talk to your provider about your particular cancer.

Possible Complications

Problems that may result from the tumor or treatment include:

  • Pain
  • Reduced function, depending on the tumor
  • Side effects of chemotherapy
  • Spread of the cancer to other nearby tissues (metastasis)

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your provider if you have symptoms of a bone tumor.

References

Heck RK, Toy PC. Malignant tumors of bone. In: Azar FM, Beaty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 27.

National Comprehensive Cancer Network website. NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology (NCCN guidelines): Bone cancer. Version 2.2022. www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/bone.pdf. Updated October 8, 2021. Accessed June 9, 2022.

Reith JD. Bone and joints. In: Goldblum JR, Lamps LW, McKenney JK, Myers JL, eds. Rosai and Ackerman's Surgical Pathology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 40.

Toy PC, Heck RK  Benign bone tumors and nonneoplastic conditions simulating bone tumors. In: Azar FM, Beaty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 25.

  • X-ray - illustration

    X-rays are a form of ionizing radiation that can penetrate the body to form an image on film. Structures that are dense (such as bone) will appear white, air will be black, and other structures will be shades of gray depending on density. X-rays can provide information about obstructions, tumors, and other diseases, especially when coupled with the use of barium and air contrast within the bowel.

    X-ray

    illustration

  • Skeleton - illustration

    The skeleton consists of groups of bones which protect and move the body.

    Skeleton

    illustration

  • Osteogenic sarcoma - X-ray - illustration

    This X-ray shows a malignant bone tumor (osteogenic sarcoma) of the knee. This type of tumor is usually seen in adolescents (around 15 years old). This tumor extends from the bone into the surrounding tissue.

    Osteogenic sarcoma - X-ray

    illustration

  • Ewing sarcoma - X-ray - illustration

    This X-ray shows a malignant bone tumor (Ewing sarcoma) of the upper arm bone (humerus). This type of tumor usually occurs during childhood and adolescence.

    Ewing sarcoma - X-ray

    illustration

  • X-ray - illustration

    X-rays are a form of ionizing radiation that can penetrate the body to form an image on film. Structures that are dense (such as bone) will appear white, air will be black, and other structures will be shades of gray depending on density. X-rays can provide information about obstructions, tumors, and other diseases, especially when coupled with the use of barium and air contrast within the bowel.

    X-ray

    illustration

  • Skeleton - illustration

    The skeleton consists of groups of bones which protect and move the body.

    Skeleton

    illustration

  • Osteogenic sarcoma - X-ray - illustration

    This X-ray shows a malignant bone tumor (osteogenic sarcoma) of the knee. This type of tumor is usually seen in adolescents (around 15 years old). This tumor extends from the bone into the surrounding tissue.

    Osteogenic sarcoma - X-ray

    illustration

  • Ewing sarcoma - X-ray - illustration

    This X-ray shows a malignant bone tumor (Ewing sarcoma) of the upper arm bone (humerus). This type of tumor usually occurs during childhood and adolescence.

    Ewing sarcoma - X-ray

    illustration

Tests for Bone tumor

 

St. Luke’s, 915 East First Street, Duluth, MN 55805 218.249.5555 | 800.321.3790

Review Date: 1/25/2022

Reviewed By: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
© 1997- adam.com All rights reserved.

 
 
 

 

 

A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.