Advances in the Field of Bone Tumor Treatment

A bone tumor can be detected in any bone of the body. The cause of this cancer has still not been determined, but some risk factors are believed to be responsible for the development of a bone tumor. These include genetically transmitted diseases and exposure to certain radiations. Several advanced treatment methods have now been fully developed and can help patients overcome bone tumors. The treatment’s effectiveness depends on the stage of cancer and whether it has already spread to other parts of the body.

A bone tumor can arise from primary tumors or be a result of metastasis from a distant location. For determining the course of the bone cancer treatment, the doctor first determines the stage to which cancer has progressed in the patient. A variety of factors have to be considered when deciding the approach that has to be taken for the treatment. These include the age of the patient, physical fitness, hereditary factors, etc.

Symptoms of bone cancer

Some of the common symptoms associated with the presence of bone tumor are listed below-

• Pain in any bone
• Swelling in the specific area
• Fatigue
• Loss of weight
• Frequent fractures due to weakened bones

Bone cancer can be of the following three types-

• Osteosarcoma- This type of cancer is more common in young individuals. The cancerous cells are present in the bone.
• Chondrosarcoma- Middle-aged and older people usually suffer from this type of bone tumor where the cancerous cells can be seen in the cartilage.
• Ewing sarcoma- Another type of cancer found in the legs or arms of young children is known as Ewing sarcoma.

How is bone cancer diagnosed?

In the presence of symptoms associated with a bone tumor, the doctor will run diagnostic tests to find out the location and size of cancer. The tests also help in determining whether the tumor is restricted to one area or has spread to other parts of the body. The various diagnostic tests that are used include:

• X-ray
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Computerized Tomography (CT scan)
• Bone scan
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET scan)

All of these are imaging tests that find out the location and size of the tumor. For laboratory testing, a biopsy is done. This determines the type of bone cancer and the stage to which it has progressed. The doctor will also try to determine how fast the growth of the tumor is and if it is spreading to other parts. The stages of bone cancer are 0 to IV.

Types of treatment available

Every patient responds to a different type of treatment. The kind of treatment that is provided to the patient depends on the extent to which cancer has progressed.

• Surgery- Tumors that are large are usually removed through surgery. Amputation has to be done in severe cases, which have become rarer with the advancement of cancer treatment available.
• Chemotherapy- This type of treatment involves using drugs to kill the tumor cells. Chemotherapy can have several side-effects but is highly effective for osteosarcoma.
• Radiation therapy– This involves the usage of radiation that is targeted on the cancerous cells and destroys them. This can also be used before the surgery to reduce the size of the tumor.

Only well-qualified specialists can help you get the best bone cancer treatment in Delhi that is effective.

Advances in the treatment of bone tumor

There has recently been a significant advancement in the field of bone oncology. Molecular mechanisms of the disease are being studied to find out the best treatment. Recent studies have proved that Telomere maintenance has shown to be a promising target for cancer treatment. Treatment using statins, bisphosphonates, etc. are also being developed to make cancer treatment easier for the patients. Furthermore, expandable implants have been designed to solve the problem of growing skeletons in young children.

This type of advanced bone cancer treatment in Delhi can be availed at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre. As a leading provider of healthcare in Asia, this hospital is capable of offering the best treatment to patients. Well-qualified doctors and the use of the latest technology help this hospital provide the best cancer care to patients.