What are the stages of bone cancer? How is it diagnosed? Learn all about the stages of bone cancer in this article. Stages of bone cancer Doctors'' knowledge of the stage of bone cancer helps in detecting the size of the cancer and the extent of its spread outside the bone, which enables them to develop a correct plan for treatment, as the stages of bone cancer are as follows:
The first stage
The first stage of bone cancer represents the degree that is not advanced, that is, the tumor has not spread outside the bone yet, and this stage is divided into the following:
Stage Ia: In this stage, the cancer is completely inside the bone, and it may press on the bone wall and lead to its swelling, but this does not mean that the cancer has grown through the bone wall.
Stage IB: In this stage, the cancer has grown through the bone wall.
The second phase
The second stage of bone cancer is more advanced than the first, but the cancer still has not spread outside the bone. This stage is divided into the following:
Stage IIa: The cancer has spread all over the bone.
Stage IIb: The cancer has grown through the bone wall.
third level
Stage 3 bone cancer may indicate that it has spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs.
It is worth noting that there may be a good chance of recovery in most cases of bone cancer in the first stage and some cases in the second stage, but unfortunately the third stage of bone cancer is difficult to treat, however, its symptoms can be alleviated and its spread to other parts of the body can be slowed through treatment.
Diagnosing the stages of bone cancer
There are several methods for diagnosing the stages of bone cancer, including the following:
physical examination
In the event that you suffer from bone pain, the doctor will first ask you about the symptoms you are experiencing, then he will start examining the affected area to look for any lumps or swelling, to decide if you need any other tests.
blood test
Your doctor will do a blood test for alkaline phosphatase. High levels of it indicate bone cancer, which requires further testing.
biopsy
Your doctor may remove a small part of the tumor for analysis by making a small cut in your skin, or remove a sample of the tumor by using a needle.
Imaging tests
Doctors use imaging tests such as CT, X-rays, and MRIs after the initial diagnosis and throughout treatment to monitor the size of the tumor and look for areas of spread.
Here are the imaging tests your doctor uses to diagnose bone cancer
X-rays: The doctor will often start with an X-ray, which allows him or her to see any abnormal bone growths.
CT scan or MRI: This scan shows the exact size, shape, and severity of a tumor in the bones, and helps determine the spread of cancer to surrounding tissues.
Positron emission tomography and computed tomography: CT scans help determine the location of cancer and whether cancer has spread to the lungs.
Bone cancer treatment
Treatment for bone cancer depends on many things, including the stage of the cancer and how far it has spread in the body. Here are the common treatments for bone cancer:
1. Limb salvage surgery
The doctor removes the cancerous part of the bone and replaces it with a metal implant in place of the bone.
2. Amputation
The doctor may resort to cutting off the limbs when the tumor becomes large or spreads to the blood and nerves. You may get limb prostheses after this treatment.
Treating bone cancer with amputation may be necessary when
Cancer spread outside the bone to major nerves or blood vessels.
The cancer has developed in a part of the body such as the ankle and limb-sparing surgery is not technically possible.
Infection after limb-sparing surgery and the bone graft or prosthesis has been removed.
3. Radiotherapy
Doctors often use radiation therapy in combination with surgery to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors with powerful X-rays.
4. Chemotherapy
Doctors may use chemotherapy before or after surgery or in cases of metastatic cancer to kill cancer cells with cancer drugs.
Common side effects while receiving chemotherapy are the following
ulcers in the mouth
Fatigue and emaciation.
Diarrhea.
Fatigue and illness.
sterility.
Getting infected easily.
hair loss
It is worth noting that most of the side effects associated with chemotherapy disappear once treatment is completed.
