Bone cancer
Bone cancer, also called skeletal cancer, is a rare cancer that begins in the cells of your bones. You may need blood tests and imaging studies to diagnose these cancers. Your treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.
Bone cancer treatment center along the Wasatch Front
At MountainStar Healthcare, our doctors are experienced in accurately detecting and diagnosing bone cancers.
Bone cancer—also referred to as malignant bone tumors—are masses or growths on the bones that tend to increase rapidly in size. If bone cancer is detected, we provide access to advanced treatment options, including targeted radiation therapy, to help patients heal.
Expert advice, available 24/7
Free medical information is just a phone call away. Our nurses help you understand your symptoms, treatment options and procedures. They will also help you find a provider or specialist and schedule an appointment.
Free medical information is just a phone call away. Our nurses help you understand your symptoms, treatment options and procedures. They will also help you find a provider or specialist and schedule an appointment.
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What is bone cancer?
Bone cancers most often begin with concern about a lesion in an organ or tissue. Most often, this organ or tissue has suffered damage through injury or disease, such as an abscess, tumor, ulcer or wound.
If a lesion is suspected, our multidisciplinary team works together to determine whether a biopsy of the lesion is necessary. A biopsy will allow our doctors to find out if bone cancer is present.
Symptoms of bone cancer
Bone cancer can develop in any bone, however, it often develops in bones of the arms and legs.
Symptoms of bone cancer can include:
- A bone that feels weak or fractures easily
- A noticeable lump on a bone
- Continuous bone pain that worsens over time or keeps you from sleeping
- Inflammation or redness over a bone
Diagnosing bone cancer
Bone cancer is most often diagnosed through a biopsy. Most bone biopsies are minimally invasive and completed using a small needle. During the procedure, the needle is inserted directly into the area in question to retrieve a sample of the cells. On rare occasions, an open biopsy (surgery) is needed to make a diagnosis.
Bone cancer treatment
After a diagnosis is provided, our doctors discuss individual care options for the patient, including treatment plans.
The most common treatments for bone cancer include:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Surgery