Bone Cancer

What is Bone Cancer?

Bone tissue, like other tissues that make up the body, has a living, dynamic and constantly changing structure. Tumor tissues can occur as a result of uncontrolled proliferation of cells with different origins and biological properties contained in bone tissue for various reasons. Since the bone tissue is well-blooded and in close contact with the surrounding tissues, spread and metastasis can be observed. For this reason, it is very important to be diagnosed at an early stage and seek treatment. The types in which bone cancers are divided according to their state of origin from cells located in the tissue are listed below.

Multiple Myeloma: In a type of multiple myeloma that originates from blood precursor cells in the bone marrow, which are essentially located inside the bone tissue, tumor tissues that can be organized inside the bone can develop. Multiple myeloma, which is the most common in bone tissue, can cause problems in the physiology of the body, especially kidney function, as well as lead to destruction of bone tissue due to its various properties. It is especially common at an advanced age.
Osteosarcoma: The most common type of cancer that originates from the cells that make up bone tissue is the type of osteosarcoma. Dec. Especially in young patients, it originates from the area called metaphysis, which is located at the end of their long bones, such as arm and leg bones.
Chondrosarcoma: Chondrosarcomas, which can show the characteristics of bone tissue and cartilage tissue and originate from the cartilage regions of long bones, are an aggressive type of cancer that is usually observed at an advanced age and originates from bones close to the trunk.
Ewing Sarcoma: Ewing sarcoma, a special subtype caused by precursor cells located in bone tissue, is a type of bone cancer that can be seen in the long bodies of bones called diaphysis and is more common in patients of a young age.

How is Bone Cancer Diagnosed?

In order for the diagnosis of cancer to be made definitively, pathological sampling from the tumor tissue is required. In addition, imaging methods for the prevalence of cancer in other tissues can be used by various methods. The methods often used in the diagnosis and follow-up of bone cancer are as follows:

Radiography: Direct X-ray X-ray is often the first method used. In this way, the bone-based tumor mass can be detected and further examinations can be planned.

Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): CT or MR imaging is used to evaluate features such as the relationship of a bone tumor to surrounding tissues, its prevalence, and the presence of distant metastases.

Bone Scanning and Scintigraphic Methods: In methods based on scanning the entire bone mass in the body, the prevalence of both metastatic lesions occurring in the bones and bone cancer can be evaluated.

PET-CT: It is a valuable test used to evaluate the prevalence of cancers in the body, especially those considered metastatic.

What is Done in the Treatment of Bone Cancer?

In the treatment of bone cancer, different parameters such as the type of cancer, anatomical localization, prevalence, size, the presence of distant metastases should be evaluated. In this sense, the treatment plan is determined by an interdisciplinary approach, and the following methods can be applied simultaneously or alone:

Surgery: Surgical removal of the mass is the basic approach when the tumor is in the appropriate location and size that is suitable for surgical removal.

Chemotherapy: According to the type and pathological characteristics of bone cancer, different chemotherapies can be given to patients in the regimens determined by the medical oncology unit.

Radiation Therapy: Since bone tissue is sensitive to radiation and has a radiation-retaining property, radiation therapy can be applied in the treatment. Radiation therapy can be applied together with chemotherapy before, after surgery, or alone.

Smart Drug Applications: Special drugs sensitive to certain biochemical markers detected in the pathological examination of bone cancer cells can be successfully applied in patients. Especially in recent years, research aimed at this is gaining momentum and is being used more widely in hospitals.