What is bone cancer?

Bone cancer, also known as malignant bone tumor, refers to a malignant tumor occurring in the bones or their associated tissues. These tumors develop rapidly, have a poor prognosis, and are associated with a high mortality rate. Bone cancer is classified into two types: primary and secondary. Primary bone cancer originates directly from the bone tissue, while secondary bone cancer results from the metastasis of malignant tumors in other tissues or organs to the bones. Early symptoms of bone cancer mainly include pain (often persistent and possibly worsening), swelling or lumps, functional impairment, pressure-related symptoms (such as compression of the skull, difficulty breathing, and difficulties with bowel or bladder function), deformities, pathological fractures, and systemic symptoms (such as fever, weight loss, and reduced physical activity). Diagnosing bone cancer requires a combination of radiological examinations and pathological analyses. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Due to the severity of bone cancer, early detection and treatment are crucial.