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Bone Cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment Principles
Jason L Ferguson1, Sean P Turner2
1Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, HI, USA.
American Family Physician
|September 15, 2018
Summary
Primary bone cancers like osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma are rare but serious. Early diagnosis via radiography and prompt referral to cancer centers improve treatment outcomes and survival rates.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Primary bone cancers (osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, chondrosarcoma) are rare, accounting for <1% of cancer diagnoses.
- Significant morbidity and mortality are associated with these cancers.
- Diagnosis is often delayed due to nonspecific symptoms and low physician suspicion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diagnosis and management of primary bone cancers.
- To highlight the importance of early detection and multidisciplinary care.
Main Methods:
- Review of diagnostic modalities, focusing on plain radiography.
- Discussion of treatment strategies including chemotherapy and surgery.
- Analysis of survival rates based on cancer type and metastasis.
Main Results:
- Osteosarcoma, common in adolescents, has an ~80% survival rate for localized disease with modern treatment.
- Ewing sarcoma shares similar presentation and treatment with osteosarcoma.
- Chondrosarcoma, primarily in adults >40, has higher survival rates due to lower-grade lesions.
Conclusions:
- Plain radiography is the initial diagnostic test for suspected bone malignancy.
- Prompt referral to specialized cancer centers is crucial for optimal outcomes.
- Multidisciplinary care, including chemotherapy and surgery, has improved survival rates for primary bone cancers.
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