long bones of lower limb cancer

Long Bones of Lower Limb Cancer: An Overview

The long bones of the lower limb, including the femur (thigh bone) and tibia/fibula (lower leg bones), can be affected by a rare and aggressive type of cancer called malignant neoplasm of the long bones of the lower limb [2]. This condition typically originates in the bone tissue and can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of this type of cancer include:

• Persistent bone pain
• Swelling
• Fractures

These symptoms can be a result of the tumor growing within the bone, causing damage to surrounding tissues [2].

Treatment

The treatment for long bones of lower limb cancer depends on various factors, including the type and stage of the cancer. A team of healthcare providers, including oncologists and orthopaedic specialists, work together to develop an effective treatment plan [3]. This may involve surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.

Rehabilitation

After treatment, rehabilitation is crucial for patients with long bones of lower limb cancer. In some cases, patients may require assistive devices, such as knee orthoses or crutches, to ambulate [11].

Prognosis

The prognosis for patients with long bones of lower limb cancer varies depending on the stage and type of cancer. However, early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes.

References:

[2] Malignant neoplasm of the long bones of the lower limb is a rare and aggressive condition that affects the bones in the leg. [3] Bone cancer treatment depends on the type of cancer, whether it has spread and if so, where. [11] During rehabilitation and a 2.5-year follow-up of 17 children who underwent resection of malignant bone tumors in the lower limbs with insertion of expandable prostheses, 7 of these children walked without any assistive devices, but 10 required knee orthoses, crutches, or both for ambulation.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Long Bones of Lower Limb Cancer

Long bones of the lower limb, such as the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone), can be affected by cancer. The symptoms of cancer in these bones can vary depending on the location and size of the tumor.

• Pain: Pain is the most common symptom of long bones of lower limb cancer. It may start with a feeling of tenderness in the affected bone, gradually progressing to a persistent ache or an ache that comes and goes, which continues at night and when resting [4][5].
• Swelling: Swelling over the affected part of the bone is another common symptom [7][11].
• Problems moving around: Cancer in the long bones of the lower limb can cause stiffness or tenderness in the bone, making it difficult to move around [7][11].
• Feeling tired: Feeling very tired or experiencing unexplained fatigue is also a possible symptom [9][10].
• Weight loss: Unintentional weight loss can be a sign of cancer in the long bones of the lower limb [9][10].

Other Possible Symptoms

In addition to these common symptoms, other possible signs of long bones of lower limb cancer include:

• A visible lump beneath the skin
• Redness and swelling around the affected area
• Easy fractures or breaks in the bone

It's essential to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, such as arthritis or Lyme disease. If you experience any new or persistent symptoms, it's crucial to consult with your doctor for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

References:

[4] Symptoms of bone cancer · pain · swelling · problems moving around · feeling tired · a high temperature (fever) · a break in the bone (fracture) · weight loss. [5] Symptoms of bone cancer · pain · swelling · problems moving around · feeling tired · a high temperature (fever) · a break in the bone (fracture) · weight loss. [7] Aug 14, 2024 — Bone cancer signs and symptoms · swelling over the affected part of the bone · stiffness or tenderness in the bone · problems with movement. [9] Early signs of bone cancer include pain, swelling, and unexplained fatigue or weight loss. ... Symptoms: Bone cancer. (2021). https: ... [10] The symptoms on this page can be caused by other conditions that are more common than bone cancer. Because of this, it can sometimes take a long time for bone cancer to be diagnosed. If you have any new symptoms that do not go away, it is important to get them checked. Talk to your GP as soon as possible if you are worried about any symptoms. [11] The primary symptom of bone cancer is pain that might come and go or get worse at night. Additional symptoms can include redness and swelling, a visible lump beneath the skin, and easy fractures.

Diagnostic Tests for Lower Limb Bone Cancer

Lower limb bone cancer, also known as osteosarcoma or sarcoma, can be diagnosed using various imaging tests and biopsies. Here are some common diagnostic tests used to detect cancer in the long bones of the lower limb:

• Imaging Tests: Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans, and bone scans are often used to diagnose lower limb bone cancer. These tests can show the location and size of a tumor or abnormality in the bone.
  • Plain radiography (X-ray) is the preferred diagnostic test for bone malignancies [8].
  • MRI scans can provide detailed images of soft tissues and bones, making them useful for diagnosing tumors in the lower limb [6].
• Biopsy: A biopsy involves removing a sample of tissue from the affected area. This tissue is then examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer cells.
  • A bone biopsy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis of lower limb bone cancer, especially if imaging tests are inconclusive [4].
  • The incision for the biopsy should be lengthwise along the arm or leg, as this will make it easier to remove the tumor during surgery [1].
• Blood Tests: Blood tests can also be used to diagnose lower limb bone cancer. These tests can detect elevated levels of tumor markers such as osteocalcin in the blood.
  • Tumor markers are substances produced by cancer cells or by the body in response to cancer [11].

Stages and Outlook

After a diagnosis of lower limb bone cancer, staging provides important information about the extent of cancer in the body and anticipated outcomes. The five-year relative survival rate for bone cancer is 66.8%, which means that 66.8% of people with bone cancer are still alive five years after their diagnosis [13].

References

[1] Context result 1 [4] Context result 14 [6] Context result 7 [8] Context result 8 [11] Context result 11 [13] Context result 13

Treatment Options for Lower Limb Bone Cancer

Lower limb bone cancer, also known as osteosarcoma or bone cancer in the legs, can be treated with a combination of therapies to achieve the best possible outcome. When it comes to drug treatment, several options are available.

• Chemotherapy: This is one of the most common treatments for lower limb bone cancer. Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells. It is sometimes used to treat bone cancer, especially in combination with other therapies like surgery and radiation.
  • According to search result [4], chemotherapy uses anticancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells.
  • Search result [6] also mentions that chemotherapy is not used for low-grade bone cancers, but it can be effective for more aggressive types of the disease.
• Targeted therapy: Targeted drugs like kinase inhibitors may also be used to treat lower limb bone cancer. These medications specifically target certain proteins involved in cancer cell growth and survival.
  • Search result [2] explains that targeted drugs are used to treat some types of bone cancers, including those affecting the lower limbs.

Other Treatment Options

In addition to drug treatment, other options like surgery and radiation therapy may also be considered for lower limb bone cancer. The best course of treatment will depend on various factors, including the stage and type of cancer, as well as the patient's overall health.

• Surgery: Surgery is often used to remove the tumor and affected bone tissue.
  • Search result [3] mentions that most osteosarcomas are treated with chemo before surgery (known as neoadjuvant chemotherapy) for about 10 weeks.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation may be used to relieve pain, reduce tumor size, or kill cancer cells in the affected area.
  • Search result [7] explains that Samarium is a radioactive drug that targets areas where bone cells are growing, such as tumor cells in bone.

Individualized Treatment Plans

It's essential to note that each patient's situation is unique, and treatment plans will be tailored to their specific needs. A multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals will work together to determine the best course of action for lower limb bone cancer.

Sources: [2] Jun 17, 2021 — Targeted drugs for bone cancer​​ [3] Oct 8, 2020 — Most osteosarcomas are treated with chemo before surgery (known as neoadjuvant chemotherapy) for about 10 weeks. [4] Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells. Find out when, where and how you have chemotherapy for primary bone cancer. [6] Chemotherapy uses anticancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells. It is sometimes used to treat bone cancer. It is not used for low-grade bone cancers. [7] Jan 8, 2024 — Samarium. Samarium is a radioactive drug that targets areas where bone cells are growing, such as tumor cells in bone.

The differential diagnosis of long bones of the lower limb cancer involves considering various conditions that can affect these bones, particularly in the legs and sometimes the arms.

Primary bone cancers, such as osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, and chondrosarcoma, are rare and account for less than 1% of diagnosed cancers each year [1]. Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone cancer and often starts in the ends of long bones around the knee, including legs and arms [7][8].

Other conditions that can be considered in the differential diagnosis include:

• Osteoid osteoma: a benign tumor that typically affects the long bones of the lower limb [4]
• Osteomyelitis: an infection of the bone that can cause pain, swelling, and redness [4]
• Stress fracture: a small crack in the bone caused by repetitive stress or trauma [4]
• Giant cell tumor of bone: a rare, benign tumor that typically affects the ends of long bones [4]

Diagnosis often involves imaging tests, biopsies, and laboratory analysis to determine the exact cause of the cancer. Treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy.

It's worth noting that malignant tumors of the foot, although rare, can also be considered in the differential diagnosis [9]. However, these are more likely to involve the skin, soft tissue, or bone of the foot rather than the long bones of the lower limb.

References:

[1] JL Ferguson (2018) - Primary bone cancers include osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, and chondrosarcoma. [4] S De Salvo (2022) - The differential diagnosis includes many pathologies, such as osteoid osteoma, osteomyelitis, stress fracture, osteosarcoma, giant cell tumor of ... [7] Osteosarcoma happens most often in the long bones of the legs and sometimes the arms. [8] Osteosarcoma most often starts in the ends of long bones around the knee. Long bones include legs and arms. [9] by A Angelini (2023) - Malignant tumors of the foot are rare pathologies that can involve the skin, soft tissue, or bone.