Bone tumors

Alternative names:

tumor - bone

Treatment:

Benign bone tumors may not require treatment, but may be assessed periodically to check for progression or regression.

Primary malignant tumors require surgical removal, with a 3-inch margin of normal tissue and lymph node resection. Often, an affected limb may need to be amputated. Radiation therapy may be indicated before and after the surgery. Chemotherapy is often given after surgery.

Treatment for metastatic malignant tumors depends upon the primary tissue or organ involved. Radiation therapy with chemotherapy or hormone therapy is commonly used.

Support groups:

The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. For this condition, see cancer - support group.

Expectations (prognosis):

Prognosis varies depending on the type of tumor. The outcome is expected to be good for people with benign tumors, although some types of benign tumors may eventually become malignant. With malignant bone tumors, survival varies from 50 to 75%.

Complications:

• amputation of a limb to control the malignancy
• seeding of the cancer to other nearby tissues (metastasis)

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms develop that are suggestive of bone tumors.