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Bone Cancer, Bone Tumors
Bone tumors may be benign (noncancerous)
or malignant (cancerous). Benign
bone tumors are more common than
malignant ones. Both types may grow
and compress healthy bone tissue and
absorb or replace it with abnormal
tissue. However, benign tumors do
not spread and are rarely
life-threatening.
Cancer that arises in the bone
(primary bone cancer) is not the
same disease as cancer that spreads
to the bone from another part of the
body (secondary bone cancer).
Primary bone cancer is rare, with
approximately 2,500 new cases
diagnosed each year in the United
States. More commonly, bones are the
site of tumors that result from the
spread (metastasis) of cancer from
another organ, such as the breasts,
lungs, and prostate.
Symptoms of Bone Cancer
Pain is the most common symptom of
bone cancer. However, symptoms may
vary depending on the location and
size of the cancer. Tumors that
occur in or near joints may cause
swelling or tenderness in the
affected area. Bone cancer can also
interfere with normal movements and
can weaken the bones, occasionally
leading to a fracture. Other
symptoms may include fatigue, fever,
weight loss, and anemia. None of
these symptoms is a sure sign of
cancer. They may also be caused by
other, less serious conditions. It
is important to check with a doctor.
Content Courtesy : cis.nci.nih.gov
Note : Information herein is
provided for informational purposes
only and is not a substitute for
professional medical advice. You
should not use this information for
diagnosing or treating a medical or
health condition. If you have or
suspect you have a medical problem,
promptly contact your professional
healthcare provider. Please consult
your healthcare provider before
beginning any course of
supplementation or treatment.
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