Bone cancer is a relatively rare form of cancer that mostly affects children and adolescents. Some types of bone cancer include chondrosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma and osteosarcoma. The symptoms of bone cancer are few and include mostly pain in the bones. Symptoms like fever and chills only appear once the disease has spread to other areas of the body. There are a variety of treatments available for bone cancer that can help shrink tumors, prolong life or eliminate the cancer completely.
Surgery
Surgery is one of the primary treatment options for bone cancer. The tumor is typically removed in its entirety, if possible. Some healthy bone is also removed that surrounds the cancer, to ensure it has been removed completely. In some cases, there is enough bone left behind for the patient to function normally once again. However, sometimes a bone graft or bone cement is used to fill in the gap. It is rare for amputation to be required nowadays, though according to MedicineNet, that was the primary surgical cure for bone cancer in the past.
Radiation
Radiation treatment for bone cancer involves aiming radiation-containing particles at the affected area in an attempt to kill the cancer cells. Radiation therapy is typically used following surgery to ensure that all the cancer has been removed and won't return.
Chemotherapy
One of the other main treatment types for bone cancer is chemotherapy. According to the National Cancer Institute, a specific combination of drugs is used to slow down cancer cell growth or help eliminate the tumor completely. It is used following surgery to make sure all the cancer cells have been killed in the body. It is also used before surgery to help make the tumor as small as possible for easier removal.
Biphosphonates
One of the less commonly used treatments for bone cancer is a type of drug called biphosphonates. These drugs help to limit damage to the bones and slow down the growth of tumors. They also help to reduce pain in those with bone cancer. While not a cure, it can improve the quality of life in sufferers.
Hormone Therapy
Sometimes, hormone therapy is used in the treatment of bone cancer. This can be administered by synthetic drugs or by means of removing the organs that actually produce the hormones that have been known to encourage cancer cell growth. This is a newer form of treatment and not as widely used as the others outlined.
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