Effective Strategies For Treatment Of Bone Cancer
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Primary bone cancer is very rare. Most bone cancers result due to metastatic disease i.e. cancer which has spread to the bones from the other parts of the body. The most common symptoms of bone cancer are acute pain in the bones and the joints. Metastatic bone cancer occurs when cancerous cells spread to the bone from the affected areas.
For example, primary breast cancer can also result in bone metastasis. Metastatic bone cancer is very common. The areas from which the cancer spreads to the bones are the lungs, breasts, prostate and the kidney. The cancerous cells travel via the blood stream.
Treatment strategy for primary bone cancer and metastatic bone cancer are slightly different. Initial symptoms include pain and lumpy tissue formation around the bone. This may progress to weight loss, fever, chills and night sweats.
Best Treatment of Bone Cancer
The treatment of bone cancer uses a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation to treat the cancer. These may be used individually or in conjunction with each other.
Surgery
In cases of primary bone cancer, where the tumour has originated in the bone, surgery is a viable option. This also depends on whether the cancer has metastasized or not. Once the tumour has been removed, the oncologist will ascertain to see if any cancer cells have been left behind.
During surgery, the tumour and a part of the bone and tissue may be removed. Earlier, amputations were very common but this is no longer performed. Bone cement and bone grafts will replace the removed bone. Larger graft or metal implants may be placed if the bone removed was very large.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is often used in conjunction with surgery. Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs and chemicals to kill the cancer cells. In this process, some of the healthy cells also get affected and the person may suffer from severe side effects.
The chemotherapy may be given prior to the surgery to reduce the incidence of cancer cells and make the surgery less complicated. The chemotherapy may also be given after the surgery in order to ensure that no cancer cells remain. This is done more as a precautionary measure. Generally, the prognosis is good if the cancer has been detected in the initial stages.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is akin to chemotherapy. In this, high doses of intense x-rays are given to the patient over a period of a few days. These help to target and kill the cancer cells. This again may be used as a precursor to surgery or given in the aftermath to surgery.
Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
In case you have had a surgery, there will be profound loss of bone, tissue, nerves and blood vessels. This may put you at risk for fractures and other postoperative infections.
The patient may be recommended to undergo extended rehabilitation and physiotherapy to be able to have near normal mobility. This should help to improve your strength and function. Once you are completely ok, you may be asked to come for regular follow-ups and undertake strict exercises to prevent further bone and joint deterioration.
Photo Credit: Popecheni.com/gepatit/
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