Bone Cancer – Overview
Bone cancer refers to a malignant tumour that starts in the bone or bone tissue. It’s distinct from cancers that spread to the bones from other organs, such as breast or prostate cancer — those are known as secondary or metastatic bone cancers. Primary is rare but can be aggressive, especially if not detected early.
This can affect people of all ages but is more common in children, teens, and young adults. In South Africa, access to early diagnosis varies widely by region, often leading to delayed detection in rural areas or under-resourced communities.
Types of primary bone cancer include:
- Osteosarcoma – The most common type, usually occurring in the long bones (arms, legs) of teenagers and young adults.
- Ewing sarcoma – Primarily affects children and adolescents; found in bones or soft tissue.
- Chondrosarcoma – More common in adults; develops in cartilage cells, typically in the pelvis or shoulder.
- Chordoma – A slow-growing cancer found in the spine or skull base.
Common symptoms:
- Persistent bone pain (often worse at night)
- Swelling or a noticeable lump
- Reduced joint movement or stiffness
- Bone fractures from minor injuries
- Fatigue or unexplained weight loss (in advanced cases)
This condition may be mistaken for sports injuries or growing pains, especially in children, which can delay diagnosis. While rare, it’s important to investigate any long-lasting bone pain or swelling that doesn’t improve with rest.
Though this condition is serious, advances in treatment, especially when caught early, have improved outcomes significantly. Multidisciplinary care — involving oncologists, orthopaedic surgeons, and rehabilitation teams — is crucial for managing this complex condition.
👉 [Next: Causes and Risk Factors of Bone Cancer]
