Bone cancer – causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com

Saturday, January 27, 2018 by Michelle Simmons

Bone cancer is a cancerous tumor of the bone that damages normal bone tissue. However, cancer that starts in a bone is rare. On the other hand, cancer that has spread to the bone from a different part of the body is more common. Bone cancer has three types — osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, and Ewing’s sarcoma. Osteosarcoma develops most frequently in individuals who are 10 to 19 years old. It is more common in the knee and upper arm. Chondrosarcoma is a type of bone cancer that starts in the cartilage, and develops in people over 40 years old. Meanwhile, Ewing’s sarcoma develops most frequently in children and teens below 19 years old, and is more common in boys than girls.

The cause of bone cancer has not yet been exactly identified, however scientists determined some factors that increase the risk of bone cancer. These include high exposure to radiation therapy, heredity, retinoblastoma, and metal implants.

Known side effects of bone cancer

The most common known side effect of bone cancer is pain, which often begins as a dull pain that slowly worsens over time. If the tumor weakens the bone, it may result in a bone fracture which in turn will cause more sudden and severe pain. A person with bone tumor may have a lump or mass over the surface of the affected area. Other less common signs and symptoms of bone cancer are fever, chills, anemia, sudden weight loss, and difficulty of moving around.

Body systems harmed by bone cancer

The main body system that is harmed by bone cancer is the skeletal system.

List of foods or nutrients that prevent bone cancer

According to an entry published on the website LiveStrong.com, there are several foods that can fight bone cancer and its symptoms. These include foods high in antioxidants, such as berries, cherries, tomatoes, broccoli, spinach, and kale. Antioxidants help eliminate free radicals in the body which cause damage that can result to infection and disease. In addition, foods rich in omega-3 fats, such as salmon, sardines, walnuts, flax seed, and flax seed oil, can help prevent bone cancer. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and strengthen the immune system. Lastly, foods rich in protein such as lean meats, tofu, beans, cold water fish, organic eggs, whey, and vegetable protein shakes can also fight bone cancer. Consuming more protein helps the body build and maintain a healthy state and fight cancer.

Treatments, management plans for bone cancer

Treatment for bone cancer depends on the type of bone cancer the patient has, its severity, and general health. One of the treatments is surgery. This is done to remove the cancerous part of the bone. Another treatment option is chemotherapy that involves taking a combination of different medications. However, this type of treatment can damage healthy cells as well and cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mouth ulcers, tiredness and temporary hair loss. Lastly, radiotherapy can be done before or after surgery to treat bone cancer and halt the spread of cancer. This involves directing beams of radiation focused at the cancerous bone part and it also cause side effects.