Introduction

Bone cancer can start in the bones (primary bone cancer) or spread to the bones from a different part of the body (bone metastases). Osteosarcoma is one type of primary bone cancer. It can occur at any age, but is most common in individuals between the ages of 10 and 30. In addition, about 10 percent of osteosarcomas are found in people over 60.

Cancer of the bone may occur as bone metastases. A metastasis is a group of cancer cells that has originated in another part of the body and spread to its new location. Bone is one of the most common locations in the body to which cancer spreads. The major cancer types that tend to metastasize to bone include multiple myeloma, breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, kidney cancer, and thyroid cancer.

Cancer-related bone complications may be caused by primary bone cancers, by bone metastases, or by cancer treatment. These complications include bone pain, bone loss, and excessively increased levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia). Treatment to help relieve complications may consist of drug therapy, surgery, radiation, or a combination of these techniques.