Overview of Bone Tumours

Orthopaedics is a medical field that deals with issues concerning our bones, joints, and the skeletal system—read cracked knees, broken hips, or fractured ligaments. For professionals in this field, managing skeletal neoplasms or bone tumours is a key aspect. Bone tumours can either be non-cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant) in nature. Read on to learn more about bone tumours.


·       Benign bone tumours

Frequently encountered and progressing slowly, these tumours usually pose no immediate threat to life. They most commonly occur from late childhood to early adulthood in the long bones of the arms and legs and do not spread to other parts of the body. Chondroma, enchondroma, and osteochondroma are a few examples of benign bone tumours.

 

·       Malignant bone tumours

These aggressive tumours have the potential to spread to other areas of the body. Examples of malignant bone tumours include Osteosarcoma, Chondrosarcoma, and Ewing's sarcoma. Although these tumours can occur at any age, they are most common among people aged 30 or younger. 

Bone Tumour Causes

The exact cause of bone tumours has yet to be ascertained. However, several factors put some patients at risk of getting them.  

Radiation therapy

  • Radiation therapy can heighten the risk of bone tumours later in life by affecting the overall quantity and quality of bone.

Genetic conditions

  • Experts have found that certain genetic disorders, such as Ollier disease and Li-Fraumeni syndrome, may increase the risk of bone tumours.

Paget's disease of bones

  • By interfering with the body's normal recycling process, Paget's disease can contribute to the development of bone tumours.

Symptoms of Bone Tumours

Symptoms of any bone tumour depend on its size, location, grade, and type. Having said that, some common symptoms of bone tumours include:


  • Bone pain, especially at night
  • Swelling or tenderness around the bone
  • A noticeable lump in the bone
  • Weakness or difficulty using the affected bone
  • Bone fracture for no apparent reason

Diagnosis of Bone Tumours

If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, seeking medical attention is important. The sooner, the better. Doctors will typically inquire about your symptoms and medical history and will ask you to get certain diagnostic tests:

·       X-ray: A very popular test, X-ray generates images of the bones, revealing the location and size of the tumour. 

·       MRI scan: Another popular test, an MRI Scan focuses on obtaining detailed images of the surrounding soft tissues and bones. 

·       CT scan: This one helps doctors diagnose a medical condition by offering detailed cross-sectional images of the bones and adjacent tissues.

·       Biopsy: In this test, tissue samples are extracted from the tumour and examined under a microscope to determine their nature.

Treatment of Bone Tumours

The treatment approach for bone tumours is decided after considering their kind, size, location, and grade or aggressiveness. Below are some common treatment options for bone tumours recommended by doctors:


  • Surgery for bone tumours

A common treatment option, surgical removal of the entire tumour, is pursued whenever feasible. In some cases, surrounding healthy tissues are also removed.


  • Chemotherapy for bone tumours

Chemotherapy can also be used to treat bone cancer before surgery. For example, chemotherapy can make surgery easier by reducing the size of the bone tumour.

 

  • Radiation therapy for bone tumours

Like chemotherapy, radiation therapy can also shrink the size of a tumour before surgery. At the same time, it can also be used to remove any residual cancer cells post-surgery.

 

  • Targeted therapy

Targeted therapy drugs attack specific weaknesses in cancer cells. They can be combined with chemotherapy or radiation therapy for better outcomes. 

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Traditional learning methods often require students to be present in a classroom. However, online orthopaedic courses allow students to access valuable lectures, content on clinical examinations, implants and instruments, and more from anywhere in the world. All they need is an internet connection.

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