Bone Cancer Awareness Month

Have you ever experienced persistent bone pain that doesn't seem to go away, even with rest? While most bone pain results from injuries or common conditions, sometimes it can signal something more serious. Bone cancer, though relatively rare, affects thousands of people each year. Understanding its warning signs could make all the difference in early detection and successful treatment outcomes.

Bone cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably within bone tissue. Unlike other cancers that spread to bones from elsewhere in the body, primary bone cancer actually begins in the bone itself. This distinction matters because primary bone cancers require different treatment approaches and often present unique challenges for patients and their medical teams.

Recognizing the symptoms of bone cancer can be challenging because early signs often mimic those of more common conditions. 

Common Symptoms:

• Bone pain
• Swelling and tenderness near bones
• Weakened bones, often resulting in fractures or breaks 
• Feeling very tired
• Weight loss, without trying 
• Difficulty moving 

Early detection remains one of the most important factors in successful bone cancer treatment. Anyone experiencing persistent bone pain, unexplained swelling, or other concerning symptoms should seek medical evaluation promptly. 

While these symptoms more commonly result from benign conditions, getting a proper medical assessment ensures that serious conditions like bone cancer are identified and treated as early as possible.

Common Treatment Options:

• Surgery

Surgery is used to remove cancer in the bone. Often, the surgeon may remove the bone cancer and some of the surrounding healthy tissue. Depending on the condition, the bone is repaired with metal or plastic material. If the cancer is large, the surgeon may need to remove a limb to successfully remove all of the cancer.

• Chemotherapy 

Chemotherapy treats bone cancer with strong medicines. This is often used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells and to lower the risk that the cancer will come back. 

• Radiation Therapy 

Radiation therapy is often used after surgery to kill any bone cancer cells that remain or to help control bone cancer when surgery isn’t an option. 

If you're experiencing persistent bone pain or other concerning symptoms, don't wait to seek medical attention. Contact Pennsylvania Oncology Specialists today at (717) 334-4033 to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and discuss your symptoms with experienced cancer care professionals.