Bone Cancer

Bone Cancer

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Signs and Symptoms

Pain is the most common symptom of bone cancer. 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 also can interfere with normal movements and can weaken the bones, occasionally leading to a fracture. Other symptoms may include fatigue, fever, weight loss and anemia.

The most common type of bone cancer is osteosarcoma, which develops in new tissue in growing bones. Another type of cancer, chondrosarcoma, occurs in cartilage. Ewing's sarcoma begins in immature nerve tissue in bone marrow. Osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma tend to occur more frequently in children and teens, while chondrosarcoma occurs more often in adults.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007