Bone Cancer

Expert Bone Cancer Care, Close to Home

At Texas Oncology, our bone care program lies at the heart of our commitment to delivering advanced cancer care. Our oncologists and surgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating bone cancer tailored to each patient’s unique needs.  

What sets Texas Oncology apart is our collaborative, patient-centered approach. With more than 550 physicians across the state, our patients receive world-class care close to home.

At Texas Oncology, you can expect a personalized care plan, a dedicated team alongside you, and the latest advancements in cancer treatment, all designed to support you.  

Types of bone cancer  

There are two main types of bone cancer:  

Primary: Patients with primary bone cancer have cancer that starts in the bones or surrounding tissues connected to the bones.  

Secondary (cancers metastatic to bone): Although most cancers can spread to or invade bone, the most common cancers that spread to bone are multiple myeloma, breast, prostate, lung, kidney, and thyroid cancer.

Symptoms of bone cancer  

Symptoms will depend on the type of bone cancer you have, its location in the body, and how far the cancer has spread. If you notice that any of your symptoms keep coming back or worsen over time, talk with your doctor as soon as possible. That way, you can rule out whether your symptoms are caused by bone cancer or other conditions. Some symptoms include:

• Pain in the area of the tumor (i.e. legs, arms, spine, etc)
• Lump or swelling in the affected area
• Fractures commonly occur in places that bear weight like the spine, legs, pelvis, and hips
• Feelings of numbness, tingling, or weakness in different parts of the body  

Bone Cancer Diagnosis at Texas Oncology

Texas Oncology specialists are equipped to diagnose bone cancer and may use the following tests and exams:

X-ray

This imaging test can show abnormal masses in the bones, bone destruction, and unusual bone growths.  

Bone scan

A small amount of radioactive material is injected into the vein to examine bone activity and potential cancerous spots.  

Biopsy  

A small bone tissue sample is removed from the suspicious area and examined under the microscope for cancerous cells.  

Skeletal survey

This is a form of x-ray that can diagnose blastic lesions.  

Blood tests  

Blood tests can help to monitor red and white blood cell counts, as well as platelets, which may be affected by bone cancer.  

Treatments for Bone Cancer  

Treatment for bone cancer or cancer metastatic to the bone is not one size fits all. That is why we personalize your treatment plan based on factors like age, medical history, general health, and treatment goals. Treatment for bone cancer may involve the following:  

Surgery

This treatment involves the surgical removal of a tumor. The goal is to remove all of the cancer.  

Chemotherapy  

Chemotherapy uses medications to kill cancer cells. It can be taken orally as a pill or injected into the vein.  

Targeted therapy drugs

Targeted therapy drugs work by targeting specific genetic mutations to stop or slow the growth of cancer cells.  

Radiation therapy  

Using high-energy x-rays, radiation therapy works to kill cancer cells by damaging their DNA. This prevents cancerous cells from reproducing and growing. Because radiation therapy can damage nearby healthy tissues, it is not used as a main treatment for most bone tumors.