Bone cancer

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Definition Symptoms Causes When to seek medical advice

Tests and diagnosis Complications Treatments and drugs Coping and support

Definition

Cancer that originates in the bone — primary bone cancer — is rare. Fewer than 2,500 Americans are diagnosed with this type of cancer each year. The condition affects more children than adults.

The most common forms of primary bone cancer are:

• Osteosarcoma, which occurs primarily in growing bone tissue
• Chondrosarcoma, which occurs in cartilage
• Ewing's sarcoma, which arises primarily in immature tissue in bone marrow

Osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma occur most often in children, adolescents and young adults, ages 10 to 20. Chondrosarcoma is more common in adults over 50.

Treatment of bone cancer depends on the type of bone cancer, as well as its location, size and stage.

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Symptoms