Bone cancer

What is bone cancer?

Primary bone cancer starts in or on the surface of a bone. The most common types in adults are chondrosarcoma, osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma.

Risks for bone cancer

Risks for bone cancer include exposure to radiation, bone disorders or conditions, and genetic conditions.

Signs and symptoms of bone cancer

Common signs and symptoms of bone cancer include pain in a bone or joint and swelling or a lump that can be felt over a bone.

Diagnosis of bone cancer

Bone cancer can be diagnosed or ruled out by tests such as x-rays, an MRI, biopsy or cell and tissue studies.

Grading bone cancer

Grading describes how cancer cells look compared to healthy cells. Bone cancer is described as low grade or high grade.

Stages of bone cancer

The stage of bone cancer describes how much cancer is in the body. Bone cancer is often staged as localized or metastatic.

If bone cancer spreads

Bone cancer can spread (metastasize) to the lungs, other bones and the brain.

Prognosis and survival for bone cancer

Prognosis estimates the outcome for bone cancer. It depends on many factors including if the cancer has spread and the location, grade and size of the tumour.

Treatments for bone cancer

Bone cancer can be treated with surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Supportive care for bone cancer

Supportive care for bone cancer helps people meet physical, practical, emotional and spiritual challenges.

Research in bone cancer

Researchers are always learning more about bone cancer and finding better ways to treat it.

Bone cancer statistics

Cancer statistics tell us how many people in Canada are diagnosed with and die from bone cancer in a certain time frame.

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Medical disclaimer

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