Clinical trials play an important role in improving cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment. For some patients, taking part may offer access to new therapies that are not yet widely available. Your care team can help determine whether a clinical trial may be an option and explain what participation involves.
What is Bone Cancer?
Bone cancer is a rare kind of cancer that develops when cells in or around a bone begin to grow and divide abnormally. This rapid growth may result in a tumor.
Bone cancer can occur anywhere in the body, but it most often affects the longer bones in the arms and legs. Some types are more common in children and young adults, while others occur more often later in life.
If you or a loved one has concerns, LifeBridge Health’s specialists can help explain what a bone cancer diagnosis may involve and guide next steps with care.
Bone Cancer Symptoms
Symptoms of bone cancer can vary depending on where the cancer forms and how it affects nearby tissue, but common symptoms include:
- Bone pain that gets worse over time
- Swelling or a lump near a bone
- Trouble moving a joint or limb
- Tenderness in the affected area
- Broken bones without a clear cause
- Unexplained fatigue or weight loss
How Bone Cancer is Diagnosed
Diagnosing bone cancer usually involves a mix of imaging, lab tests and a biopsy. Your care team will recommend the tests that best fit your symptoms.
Imaging Tests
Imaging is often the first step in evaluating possible bone cancer. X-rays can quickly show changes in bone structure. MRI or CT scans provide more detail about the size and location of a tumor, and a bone scan may be used to look for unusual bone activity elsewhere in the body.
Biopsy
This outpatient procedure confirms whether cancer is present. A small sample of bone or tissue is taken for examination under a microscope.
Blood Tests
Blood tests can help rule out other conditions and give your team a fuller picture of your health. While they cannot diagnose bone cancer on their own, these tests support the overall evaluation.
Bone Cancer Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the type of bone cancer, its location and your overall health. At LifeBridge Health, specialists from a range of disciplines work together to create a personalized plan that may include several options.
Surgery
Surgery is often a main treatment for bone cancer. The goal is to remove all of the cancer while preserving as much bone and function as possible.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses medication to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. It may be given before surgery to shrink a tumor or after surgery to reduce the risk of the cancer returning.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells. It may be used to support other treatments, as the primary treatment or to help relieve symptoms.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. It may be used for certain bone cancers when other treatments are not effective.
Clinical Trials
Supportive Services
When you receive cancer care at LifeBridge Health, you have access to supportive services like counseling, integrative therapies and support groups. These resources are designed to help patients care for their physical and emotional well‑being throughout treatment and beyond.