Childhood bone cancer

What is childhood bone cancer?

Childhood bone cancer starts in bone cells or cartilage cells. The most common types are osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma.

Certain inherited genetic syndromes can increase a child's risk of developing osteosarcoma. There are no known risks for Ewing sarcoma.

Symptoms of childhood bone cancer may vary based on which bone the cancer starts in. It can cause pain, a lump and other symptoms.

Tests such as x-rays and CT scans can be used to diagnose or rule out childhood bone cancer when symptoms are present.

The stage describes how much cancer is in the body. Childhood bone cancer is often staged as localized or metastatic.

Cancer can spread (metastasize) from the bone to other parts of the body. Childhood bone cancer can spread to the lungs.

Prognosis estimates the outcome for childhood bone cancer. There are different prognosis factors for osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma.

Childhood bone cancer can be treated with chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy. Osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma are treated differently.

Supportive care helps children and their families meet the physical, emotional and spiritual challenges of childhood bone cancer.

Cancer statistics tell us how many children in Canada are diagnosed with and die from childhood bone cancer in a certain time frame.