Bone Cancer: Definition and Treatment

Bone Cancer

Bone cancer is a malignant tumor that begins in the bones forming the human skeletal system and can spread to other organs over time. Bone cancer is a relatively rare type of cancer and can be successfully treated with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment methods. In this article we have prepared for you, we will try to provide detailed information about what bone cancer is, why it occurs, and what its symptoms are.

What is Bone Cancer (Tumor)?

Bone cancer is a malignant tumor that begins with abnormal and uncontrolled growth of bone cells. Bone cancer can be classified into two types: primary and secondary. Primary bone cancer is a type of cancer that originates from bone tissue and is seen more frequently in children and young people. Secondary bone cancer, on the other hand, is a type of cancer that originates from another organ and spreads by metastasizing to the bones, and is seen more frequently in adults.

Why Does Bone Cancer Occur?

Although the exact cause of bone cancer is unknown, certain factors are thought to increase the risk of bone cancer. These include genetic factors, radiation exposure, and certain bone diseases. Additionally, it is known that some types of bone cancer are associated with bone diseases such as Paget's disease.

What Are the Symptoms of Bone Cancer (Tumor)?

The symptoms of bone cancer may vary depending on the type of cancer, its size, and the extent of its spread. However, the most common symptoms of bone cancer are as follows:

• Continuous and severe bone pain,

• Swelling and tenderness,

• Fractures,

• Weakness and weight loss,

• High fever and night sweats,

Since bone cancer symptoms are similar to the symptoms of other diseases, it is important to undergo medical examination and necessary tests for accurate diagnosis. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment methods, bone cancer can be successfully treated.

What Are the Types of Bone Cancer (Tumor)?

Bone cancer is a disease that occurs with uncontrolled proliferation and growth of abnormal cells in bone tissue. Bone tumors are divided into two categories: benign and malignant. Malignant tumors are considered cancer. The types of bone cancer are as follows:

Osteosarcoma; It is the most common type of bone cancer and is usually seen in children and young adults. Osteosarcoma typically develops at the ends of long bones, particularly in the knee and thigh bones or in the upper arms.

Chondrosarcoma; It is the second most common type of bone cancer and is more frequently seen in adults. Chondrosarcoma originates from cartilage cells and usually develops in the pelvis, leg, and shoulder bones.

Ewing's Sarcoma; It is a rare type of bone cancer seen more frequently in children and young adults. Ewing's sarcoma typically develops in long bones, the spine, ribs, and the skull.

Chordoma; This type of bone cancer is more common in adults and can develop along the spine from the base of the skull to the coccyx.

Fibrosarcoma; It is a rarely seen type of bone cancer and is more common in adults. Fibrosarcoma usually develops in the leg, arm, and jaw bones.

What Are the Risk Factors for Bone Cancer (Tumor)?

Bone cancer risk factors include the following:

• Genetic factors,

• Radiation exposure,

• Paget's disease,

• Benign bone tumors,

• Age,

How is Bone Cancer (Tumor) Diagnosed?

The methods used for diagnosing bone cancer are as follows:

• Physical examination,

• Radiological imaging,

• Biopsy,

• Bone scan,

• Blood tests,

After bone cancer diagnosis is confirmed, the stage of the disease is determined and an appropriate treatment plan is created.

How is Bone Cancer (Tumor) Treated?

Bone cancer refers to malignant tumors originating from bone tissue. The treatment of bone cancer varies depending on factors such as the patient's age, the type of cancer, its stage, and the extent of spread. The main treatment methods used in bone cancer treatment are as follows:

Surgery forms the foundation of bone cancer treatment. The surgeon attempts to prevent the spread of the tumor by removing the cancerous bone tissue and surrounding healthy tissue. Nowadays, after most of the cancerous bone is removed, functional limbs can be obtained by using metal prostheses or bone grafts as replacements.

Radiotherapy uses high-energy X-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. In bone cancer treatment, radiotherapy is generally applied before or after surgery. This treatment method helps prevent cancer cells from spreading to surrounding tissues and prevents recurrence after surgery.

Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment method performed using drugs that inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells. In bone cancer treatment, chemotherapy is generally applied before and after surgery. This helps prevent the cancer from spreading to other organs and prevents recurrence after surgery.

Targeted therapies target specific molecules that are important for the growth and spread of cancer cells. In bone cancer treatment, targeted therapies are generally used together with other treatment methods.

Bone Cancer (Tumor) and Limb Loss

During surgical intervention in bone cancer treatment, cancerous bone and surrounding tissues must be removed. In some cases, this can lead to limb loss. However, with modern surgical techniques and prostheses, the rate of limb loss has been significantly reduced. This allows patients' quality of life and functional abilities to be preserved.

Cryoablation in Bone Cancer (Tumor) Treatment

Cryoablation is a treatment method that kills cancer cells by freezing them. This method is a promising new technique used especially in bone cancer treatment. Cryoablation offers an alternative treatment option for patients who are not suitable for surgical intervention or who have high surgical risks.

Cryoablation in bone cancer treatment is performed by injecting liquid nitrogen into the tumor through a thin needle. This procedure causes cancer cells to freeze and die, leading to tumor shrinkage. Cryoablation is usually used together with other treatment methods and helps improve patients' quality of life.

Bone Cancer (Tumor) Treatment Prices in Turkey

Turkey has gained worldwide recognition through its investments and efforts in the healthcare field. Particularly, the latest technological devices used in diagnostic and treatment procedures have brought hope for many diseases. In addition, there has been an increase in medical tourism to Turkey.

• The hospitals being large, clean, spacious, and fully equipped with technological devices,

• Turkish doctors being expert, successful, and talented in their field,

• Nurses and healthcare workers being friendly and compassionate,

• Questions being answered quickly and accurately,

• All personnel, including the intermediary company dealing with the patient, being patient and understanding,

• Turkey offering natural and historical attractions along with vacation opportunities,

• Easy accessibility and transportation,

• Medical costs such as diagnosis, treatment, accommodation, food, beverages, clothing, and vacation being affordable,

These factors are among the reasons for preference. Regarding Bone Cancer (Tumor) Treatment Prices in Turkey, we can see that patients and their relatives who want to come to Turkey conduct research. However, at this stage, it would not be appropriate to provide exact pricing information. Many factors such as the type of disease, its stage, the diagnostic process, the treatment process, and the length of stay in Turkey affect pricing. If you would like to obtain more detailed price information, you can contact us. Additionally, if you come to Turkey for treatment through our mediation, we can facilitate your visa application process through the invitation letter we send to the consulate.