Bone Tumor (Generic Term)

Definition

Definition of Bone Tumor (Generic Term)
A tumor is a lump or mass of tissue that forms when cells divide uncontrollably. A growing tumor may replace healthy tissue with abnormal tissue. It may weaken the bone, causing it to break (fracture).

Most bone tumors are noncancerous (benign). Some are cancerous (malignant).Benign tumors are usually not life-threatening. Malignant tumors can spread cancer cells throughout the body (metastasize). This happens via the blood or lymphatic system.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Bone Tumor (Generic Term)
Most patients with a bone tumor will experience pain in the area of the tumor. The pain is generally described as dull and achy. The pain may or may not get worse with activity. The pain often awakens the patient at night.

Although tumors are not caused by trauma, occasionally injury can cause a tumor to start hurting. Injury can cause a bone that is already weakened by a tumor to break. This often leads to severe pain. Some tumors can cause fevers and night sweats. Many patients will not have any symptoms, but will instead note a painless mass.

Occasionally, benign tumors may be discovered incidentally when X-rays are taken for other reasons, such as a sprained ankle or rotator cuff problem.

Causes

Causes of Bone Tumor (Generic Term)
The cause of bone tumors is unknown. They often arise in areas of rapid growth. Possible causes include:

1. Inherited genetic mutations
2. Radiation
3. Trauma

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Bone Tumor (Generic Term)

1. Alkaline phosphatase
2. Bone biopsy
3. Bone scan
4. MRI
5. X-ray of bone

This disease may also affect the results of the following tests:

1. Alkaline phosphatase isoenzyme
2. Calcium (ionized)
3. Extremity x-ray
4. Hands x-ray
5. Joints x-ray
6. PTH
7. Serum calcium
8. Serum phosphorus

Treatment

Treatment of Bone Tumor (Generic Term)
Benign bone tumors may not require treatment, but may be looked at regularly to check if they grow or shrink. Surgical removal of the tumor may be necessary.

Treatment for malignant tumors that have spread to the bone depends on the primary tissue or organ involved. Radiation therapy with chemotherapy or hormone therapy is often used.

Tumors that start in the bone (primary malignant tumors of the bone) are rare and require treatment at centers with experience treating these cancers. After biopsy, a combination of chemotherapy and surgery is usually necessary. Radiation therapy may be needed before or after surgery.

Prognosis

Prognosis of Bone Tumor (Generic Term)
The outlook depends on the type of tumor. The outcome is expected to be good for people with noncancerous (benign) tumors, although some types of benign tumors may eventually become cancerous (malignant).

With malignant bone tumors that have not spread, most patients achieve a cure. Because the cure rate depends on the type of cancer, location, size, and other factors, discuss your situation with your doctor.

Prevention

Prevention of Bone Tumor (Generic Term)
There is no know prevention.