Bone cancer starts and develops in bones. The formation of tumors in the bone begins when cells in the tissues of bones multiply and grow abnormally and rapidly. This unusual multiplication of cells in the bones’ tissues leads to tumor formation. This tumor can be from the bone cells, known as primary bone cancer, and can be spread from other body parts or tissues, known as secondary bone cancer. This article will discuss the details of bone cancer, including its history, types, causes, symptoms, and, last but not least, its remedies. Moving forward, let’s look at the history of bone cancer.
The history of bone cancer dates back centuries, with an understanding of the disease as time passed and development and advancements in its remedies. An overview of the history and management of bone cancer is given as follows:
- Ancient Times to 19th CenturyCentury:
- Ancient Egypt and Greece: Early records show that different diseases and tumors of bones were recognized in ancient Egypt and Greece, but no specific type of bone cancer was recognized.
- Hippocrates (460-370 BCE): the Father of Medicine. His writings also show recognition of different diseases and tumors of bone at that time.
- Middle Ages: In the Middle Ages, medical knowledge was limited, so diseases and tumors related to bones and other parts of the body were believed to have supernatural causes.
- Renaissance: In this era, anatomical studies increased the understanding of human anatomy and bone structure, leading to further developments.
- 19th Century: In this era, renowned pathologist Rudolf Virchow made many contributions to the understanding of cancer. Moreover, different advancements in pathology and microscopy helped to better understand tumors.
- Early 20th CenturyCentury:
The early 20th century witnessed advancements in surgery and radiation therapy. Surgery enabled the effective removal of tumors, including bone tumors. Moreover, in 1895, Wilhelm Roentgen discovered X-rays and laid the foundation of radiation therapy for the treatment of different tumors, including bone tumors.
- Mid to Late 20th Century:
This era witnessed the development of chemotherapy and advancements in imaging. Chemotherapy involves using drugs to target cancer cells. Moreover, CT, MRI, and bone scans have become important tools for diagnosing and treating bone cancer.
- Recent advances include targeted therapy and personalized medicine. In the late 20th century and early 21st CenturyCenturycenturies, targeted therapy was introduced, i.e., it targeted cancerous cells and gene mutations to stop cancer. Moreover, with more understanding of the molecular biology of cancerous cells, personalized treatment can be applied to different patients with different characteristics of cancer.
Different advancements in the history of bone cancer have improved the treatments and quality of life of patients with bone cancer. However, there are still many challenges in managing metastatic bone cancers.
Types of Bone Cancer:
There are different types of bone cancer, which are given as follows:
- Osteosarcoma: This is the most common type of bone cancer, which attacks mostly teenagers and adults. It starts and develops mostly in the arms, legs, or pelvis.
- Chondrosarcoma: This type of cancer is most common in adults. It starts and develops in cartilage cells. It mostly occurs in the pelvis, legs, or arms.
- Ewing Sarcoma: This type of bone cancer mostly attacks children and young adults. It mostly develops in the pelvis, legs, or arms.
- Fibro Sarcoma: This rare type of bone cancer originates in the fibrous tissue within the bone.
- Giant Cell Tumor of Bone: This type of tumor is not cancerous but may be aggressive to the extent that it can occasionally become cancerous.
- Chordoma is a type of slow-growing tumor that usually originates or develops at the skull’s base or spine.
These are some major types of bone cancer. Each type is different according to its characteristics, i.e., age of onset, location within the body, and aggressiveness. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to improving the quality of life of patients.
Causes of Bone Cancer:
Major causes that develop bone cancer are given as follows:
- Genetic Factors: Different inherited genetic mutations such as the RB1 gene (associated with retinoblastoma), TP53 (Li-Fraumeni Syndrome), and others enhance the risk of bone cancer.
- Radiation Exposure: The risk of bone cancer increases for patients who previously have a history of radiation exposure for the treatment of any tumor. This history of radiation exposure enhances the risk of bone cancer in irradiated areas.
- Paget’s Disease: The breakdown of bone cells and their abnormal formation and multiplication may later cause bone cancer.
- Chemical Exposures: Exposure of persons to certain chemicals such as benzene (found in some industrial settings) may increase the danger of bone cancer.
- Other Bone Diseases: Sometimes, bone tumors develop due to non-cancerous bone diseases, such as fibrous dysplasia or multiple enchondromas.
- Age: There is no specific age for bone cancer to occur, but there are some types that are more common in children and young adults, while other types are common in older people.
Symptoms of Bone Cancer:
Symptoms of bone cancer are given as follows:
- Constant pain in bones that may worsen at night.
- There may be swelling or a lump near the affected area.
- Unexplained bone fractures, especially from minor trauma.
- Speedy weight loss
- Fatigue (tiredness or weakness)
- Patients with bone cancer may suffer from fever, especially children.
Remedies for Bone Cancer:
It is important to note that medical treatment is essential for bone cancer. Major remedies for bone cancer are given as follows:
- Pain Management: Patients with bone cancer suffer from severe pain. To manage that pain, medicines prescribed by a doctor must be used.
- Surgery: Surgery is also a solution for removing cancer from bones.
- Radiation Therapy: X-rays are also used in some cases as a remedy to treat cancer.
- Chemotherapy: The use of drugs after the surgery to stop cancerous cells from multiplying is known as chemotherapy.
- Personalized Treatment: Personalized treatment according to the types and characteristics of the tumor is also used as a remedy for bone cancer.
Home Care Remedies:
Home care remedies can be used along with medical treatment but cannot be used as an alternative. Moreover, one must contact their healthcare professional while using home care remedies. Some of the homecare remedies are given as follows:
- Nutrition (eating a balanced diet)
- Physical activity (staying active with gentle exercise)
- Emotional Support (Support from family, friends, support groups, or counselors)
- Wound Care