Bone tumor (generic term)

Bone tumor refers to a neoplastic growth of tissue in bone. Abnormal growths found in the bone can be either benign (benign) or malignant (malignant).

Types[edit | edit source]

Bone tumors can be classified into primary tumors, which originate in bone or from bone-derived cells and tissues, and secondary tumors which originate in other sites and spread (metastasize) to the skeleton. Carcinomas of the prostate, breasts, lungs, thyroid, and kidneys are the carcinomas that most commonly metastasize to bone. Secondary malignant bone tumors are estimated to be 50 to 100 times as common as primary bone cancers.

Primary tumors[edit | edit source]

Primary tumors of bone can be divided into benign tumors and cancers. Most bone cancers are metastatic, with the most common being breast cancer in women, and prostate cancer in men.

Benign tumors[edit | edit source]

The most common benign bone tumors include osteoma, osteoid osteoma, osteochondroma, osteoblastoma, enchondroma, giant cell tumor of bone, and aneurysmal bone cyst.

Malignant tumors[edit | edit source]

The most common types of malignant bone tumors include osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, malignant fibrous histiocytoma, fibrosarcoma, and metastatic carcinomas.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Symptoms of bone tumors may include pain, swelling, and the presence of a palpable mass. However, these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, and do not necessarily indicate the presence of a tumor.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of a bone tumor typically involves imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, and bone scans. A biopsy may also be performed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the type of tumor.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for bone tumors depends on the type of tumor, its location, and its stage. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these.