BONE CANCER
Malignant tumors originating in the bones are rare in the elderly. However, malignant growths from other parts of the body frequently spread to the bones. The usual symptoms are those of pain and pressure. If the bone becomes weakened by the growth, it can fracture spontaneously, even without a fall or trauma. Cancer of the bones is diagnosed by X-rays or by nuclear scans (bone scans) which are very sensitive in their ability to discover bone malignancy.
Some kinds of malignant growths that spread to the bones respond very well to treatment. For example, cancer of the prostate with severe spread to the bones either improves or gives no symptoms after testicle removal or with the use of hormone therapy. Radiation therapy can relieve the bone pain quickly and effectively, even though it will not cure the originating cancer. A broken bone may have to be surgically repaired and then treated with radiation. This combination of treatment can prevent the patient from becoming completely disabled by the fracture. The prognosis of bone cancer depends mostly on the underlying malignancy and whether or not there is any effective treatment for it.
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