Tumor - bone; Bone cancer; Primary bone tumor; Secondary bone tumor; Bone tumor - benign DefinitionA bone tumor is an abnormal growth of cells within a bone. A bone tumor may be cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign). CausesThe cause of bone tumors is unknown. They often occur in areas of the bone that grow rapidly. Possible causes include:
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:
These forms of cancer usually affect older people. Bone cancer is more common in people who have a family history of cancers. SymptomsSymptoms of a bone tumor may include any of the following:
Some benign tumors have no symptoms. Exams and TestsThe 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:
TreatmentSome 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 GroupsYou 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. The 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 ComplicationsProblems that may result from the tumor or treatment include:
When to Contact a Medical ProfessionalContact your provider if you have symptoms of a bone tumor. ReferencesHeck 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 1.2025. www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/bone.pdf. Updated August 20, 2024. Accessed August 29, 2024. 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. | |
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Review Date: 3/31/2024 Reviewed By: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. Editorial update 08/29/2024. 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. | |
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