About Bone Cancer

Bone cancer can affect any bone in the body, though it usually starts in the pelvis or in long bones found in the limbs. Bone cancer specifically refers to forms of cancer that start in the bones, not cancers that metastasize into the bones.

Types of bone cancer are broken down based on which cells they started in. The following are the most common types of bone cancer:

• Osteosarcomas, which begin in the bone cells
• Chondrosarcomas, which form in cartilage cells
• Ewing tumors

Bone cancer is one of the rarest forms of cancer, averaging below 1 percent of cancer diagnoses. Cancerous bone tumors actually happen to be less common than noncancerous ones. Bone cancer can affect anyone of any age, yet most forms of bone cancer, including osteosarcoma and Ewing tumors, are more common in children and young adults. Chondrosarcomas more often occur in older, middle-aged adults.

Causes and Risk Factors

Experts have yet to determine the exact cause of bone cancers. Some cases of bone cancer are believed to be hereditary, suggesting that they are caused by inherited gene mutations. This means that if your parents or a blood relative has bone cancer, you may have a higher risk of bone cancer.

However, most bone cancers are not believed to be caused by hereditary factors. Instead, the DNA mutations resulting in bone cancer occur during a person’s lifetime. For instance, high exposure to radiation may affect overall bone health and result in an increased risk of bone cancer.

Paget disease is a common risk factor of bone cancer. Paget disease is a condition characterized by the formation of abnormal bone tissue, resulting in bones that are heavy, thick, and more prone to fracture. Although Paget disease is not usually life-threatening, bone cancer has been shown to develop in about 1 percent of those diagnosed with Paget disease, especially in cases where the disease affects several bones.

Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging

The most common signs and symptoms of bone cancer are:

• Pain/discomfort in bones
• Weakened or fractured bones
• Sudden weight loss
• Fatigue
• Swelling and tenderness in affected bones

Magnetic resonance imaging tests are common and can help doctors locate cancerous tumors in bones and identify their size and potential spread. This may include:

• Bone scans
• CT scans
• MRI
• X-ray
• PET

The doctor may also take a biopsy to determine if the primary tumor is cancerous and the speed of tumor growth. The biopsy can be taken via a needle or surgery.

Much like other forms of cancer, bone cancer is categorized in stages to determine the proper treatment options. Each stage is determined by:

• The rate at which the cancer is growing
• The size of existing tumor(s)
• The number of bones affected
• Any signs of bone metastasis

Bone cancer is categorized into five stages (0 to IV). Doctors also use the TNM system to further describe the stage.

• T refers to the growth of tumors
• N refers to tumors spreading to the lymph nodes.
• M means that the cancer has metastasized and spread to other parts of the body.

About Alternative/Natural Treatment of Bone Cancer

While conventional cancer treatment, like chemotherapy or radiation, may be effective to treat cancer, they can come with potential side effects that leave you weak and physically drained. Alternative therapies aim to work with existing treatments to support your recovery and mitigate side effects from traditional chemotherapy or surgery.  Immunity Therapy Center offers a range of alternative treatments, including:

• Sonodynamic therapy
• Hyperthermia
• Vitamin and mineral supplements
• Biomagnetic cancer therapy
• Acupuncture
• Massage therapy
• Probiotics
• Tai chi
• Herbal medication

At Immunity Therapy Center, our goal is to provide a fully customized alternative treatment for bone cancer and other chronic conditions. Our team is committed to attentive, individualized cancer care with the understanding that everyone’s health is different. Through one-on-one time with Dr. Bautista, we can develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs and fully adjustable based on changes to your health.

If you think you have cancer symptoms, contact Immune Therapy Center today for a free consultation about alternative therapies and custom treatment plans.

Medically Reviewed by:Dr. Bautista

November 16, 2019

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Dr. Carlos Bautista is a Board Certified Medical Doctor. He received his Medical Degree from Universidad Autónoma de Baja California and has more than 20 years of experience working with Alternative Medicine to treat cancer, autoimmune diseases, chronic degenerative diseases, and infectious diseases. He opened Immunity Therapy Center in 2007 with the goal of providing the highest quality medical care for more than 5,000 patients.

At Immunity Therapy Center, our goal is to provide objective, updated, and research-based information on all health-related topics. This article is based on scientific research and/or other scientific articles. All information has been fact-checked and reviewed by Dr. Carlos Bautista, a Board Certified Medical Doctor at Immunity Therapy Center. All information published on the site must undergo an extensive review process to ensure accuracy. This article contains trusted sources with all references hyperlinked for the reader's visibility.