Living with Bone cancer
Cancer that starts in a bone, with pain as the most common symptom.
Understanding Bone cancer
There are three types. Osteosarcoma occurs most often between ages 10 and 19. Chondrosarcoma starts in cartilage, usually after age 40. Ewing's sarcoma occurs most often in children and teens under 19, and is more common in boys. Bone cancer can come back after treatment, so regular follow-up visits are important.
Signs & symptoms
GARD names pain as the most common symptom. Other symptoms vary by the location and size of the cancer:
- Pain in the affected bone
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD doesn't describe a cause for this condition yet.
Also known as: ca - bone cancer; cancer of bone; cancer of skeletal element; cancer of the bone; malignant bone neoplasm; malignant bone tumor
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Bone cancer.
Explore research for Bone cancer
Explore actively recruiting Bone cancer studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Bone cancer with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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