Bone Cancer is classified into two types.  Primary Bone Cancer, which is rare, and the more common Secondary Bone Cancer.  Secondary Cancer is a result of another type of cancer spreading (metastasize) to the bones.  Sadly, Osteosarcoma and Ewing are both forms of Primary Bone Cancer that occur more often in children than adults.  Sarcomas are malignant tumors that affect the bones as well as other areas of the body.  These are frequently misdiagnosed.  Chondrosarcoma, which is a bone cancer that occurs in cartilage, is a primary bone cancer that occurs more often in adults.  About 2,700 new diagnosis are estimated for 2007.

Bone cancer is painful.  Joints swell and become tender, and this can interfere with normal movements.  Bone cancer can also weaken the bones, which makes the bones more susceptible to fractures.  The American Cancer Society reports in their 2007 report that Osteosarcoma accounts for 2.4% of childhood cancer deaths.  This type of bone cancer affects the knees, upper legs, and upper arms.  It is seen most often in the 10-25 year old age group and originates in the osteoid tissues.  However, even with the cancer present, no pain is felt until the bones become swollen.  If Osteosarcoma spreads, the cancer could end up in the lungs, so removal of the cancer is crucial.  This is often done with surgery, and a prothsetic device or other bone replaces the bone with the cancerous tissue.  This is a welcome advancement from the frequent amputations performed in the past.

Ewing's Sarcoma effects the upper legs, ribs, arms, and, similar to Osteosarcoma, hits the 10-20 year old age group.  It has a tendency to spread rapidly and requires radiation and chemotherapy treatments.  Chondrosarcoma gets its origins in the cartilage, and its effects are seen in the pelvis, upper legs, and shoulders, but contrary to Osteosarcoma and Ewing, the average cancer patient of this type is between 50 and 60.  Out of the 206 bones in the body, bone cancer most frequently appears in the arms and legs.  Bone cancer patients also suffer from fatigue, fever, weight loss and anemia, although these symptoms are found common in many other diseases.  Pain and symptoms vary with the location and size of the tumor.

As with most cancers, scientists are unsure of the cause of bone cancer.  Diagnosis consists of comparing symptoms and risk factors and performing x-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and biopsies.  Early diagnosis is crucial as this type of cancer spreads fast.  The National Cancer Institute claims that people who have had radiation and chemotherapy treatments, adults with Paget's disease, and hereditary retinoblastoma are at higher risk.  Fortunately, chemotherapy might relieve symptoms, control the cancer growth, and has the potential to eliminate all cancer cells in the body, even when cancer is extensive.  The American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute are reliable sources further research.  Meanwhile, bone Cancer clinical trials are ongoing, and hope to find a cure for the children that might not be here tomorrow drives the funding to combat bone cancer.