Where Does Bone Cancer Start?

There are several different types of bone cancer, and each kind can originate in different parts of the body. For example, the most common type of bone cancer is osteosarcoma, which forms in the bone cells, most often in patients between the ages of 10 and 30. In children, the tumor often begins in spots where the bone is growing quickly, like the upper shin bone, lower thigh bone or the upper arm bone. In adults, it is more common to see osteosarcoma form in other locations, such as the jaw, shoulders and hips.

Other forms of bone cancer

While osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone cancer, there are a number of others. These cancers are named for the part of the bone or tissue that is affected by the cancer, as well as the kind of cells the tumor is made up of. These include:

• Chondrosarcoma – Forms in the cartilage cells
• Ewing sarcoma – Primarily forms in bones but can also begin in other tissues
• Fibrosarcoma – Develops in soft tissues more often than bones
• Chordoma – Usually occurs in the base of the skull and spine bones

Bone cancer treatment at Moffitt Cancer Center

Moffitt Cancer Center offers comprehensive treatment and supportive care to patients with osteosarcoma and other bone cancers. As a high-volume cancer center, Moffitt receives a large number of bone cancer patients, giving our physicians unparalleled experience treating even the most uncommon forms of this malignancy. We tailor every treatment plan to address the unique challenges of each patient’s cancer, ensuring each treatment plan provides the best chance at reaching a favorable outcome and an improved quality of life. In addition to receiving a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, eligible patients may have the opportunity to participate in one of our groundbreaking clinical trials, where they can benefit from the latest breakthroughs in bone cancer treatment before they are made available elsewhere.

If you have been diagnosed with bone cancer, schedule a consultation to explore your treatment options with a Moffitt physician. With or without a referral, call 1-888-663-3488 or fill out a new patient registration form online to make an appointment.