OverviewBone cancer can begin in any bone in the body, but it most commonly affects the pelvis or the long bones in the arms and legs. Bone cancer is rare, making up less than 1 percent of all cancers. In fact, noncancerous bone tumors are much more common than cancerous ones. Show The term "bone cancer" doesn't include cancers that begin elsewhere in the body and spread (metastasize) to the bone. Instead, those cancers are named for where they began, such as breast cancer that has metastasized to the bone. Some types of bone cancer occur primarily in children, while others affect mostly adults. Surgical removal is the most common treatment, but chemotherapy and radiation therapy also may be utilized. The decision to use surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy is based on the type of bone cancer being treated. Types
SymptomsSigns and symptoms of bone cancer include:
When to see a doctorMake an appointment with your doctor if you or your child develops bone pain that:
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e-mail. CausesThe cause of most bone cancers is unknown. A small number of bone cancers have been linked to hereditary factors, while others are related to previous radiation exposure. Types of bone cancerBone cancers are broken down into separate types based on the type of cell where the cancer began. The most common types of bone cancer include:
Risk factorsIt's not clear what causes bone cancer, but doctors have found certain factors are associated with an increased risk, including:
Bone cancer care at Mayo Clinic March 22, 2022
Living with bone cancer?Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Cancer support group on Mayo Clinic Connect, a patient community. Cancer DiscussionsSee more discussions
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