Types of Bone Cancer
Cancer can begin in any type of bone tissue. Bones are made up of osteoid (hard or compact), cartilaginous (tough, flexible), and fibrous (threadlike) tissue, as well as elements of bone marrow (soft, spongy tissue in the center of most bones).
Common types of primary bone cancer include the following:
Common types of primary bone cancer include the following:
- Osteosarcoma- originates from osteoid tissue in the bone. This tumor occurs most often in the knee and upper arm. The picture on the left shows an affected knee with osteosarcoma (left) and an unaffected knee (right).
- Chondrosarcoma- begins in cartilaginous tissue. Cartilage pads the ends of bones and lines the joints. Occurs most often in the pelvis, upper leg, and shoulder. When a chondrosarcoma contains cancerous bone cells, the tumor is usually classified as an osteosarcoma. This picture on the left shows the normal knee anatomy (left), the chondroblastoma at the top of the tibia (center), and an MRI shows the same chondroblastoma (right).
- The Ewing Sarcoma Family of Tumors (ESFTs)- usually occur in bone. May also begin in soft tissue (muscle, fat, fibrous tissue, blood vessels, etc.). Scientists think that ESFTs come from elements of primitive nerve tissue in the bone or soft tissue. Occur most commonly along the backbone and pelvis and in the legs and arms. The x-ray looks like a bone is practically shattered, as shown on the left.