Types of Primary Malignant Tumors of Bone

Chondrosarcoma: Chondrosarcoma is a rare malignant tumor of slow growth. It is more common in the thoracic spine, although it is found in all vertebral levels. The tumor may destroy the vertebrae. The average age of presentation is 45 years and occurs more frequently in men than women. Chondrosarcoma can spread. Symptoms include pain, a palpable mass and neurological disorders (i.e., weakness, numbness). Surgery is usually necessary to remove the tumor, and there may be recurrence. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy have mixed results.

Chordoma: A chordoma is a rare neoplasm and slow growth that can spread. In adults, vertebral chordomas are the primary malignant tumor more common. The tumor occurs in patients 30 to 70 years. Chordomas usually affect the lower back (lumbar spine) and the sacrum and at the time of diagnosis, usually the tumor is very large. The tumor can affect the nerve roots. Symptoms include gradual onset of pain, pain that increases as the tumor grows, numbness, weakness, constipation, and incontinence (loss of bladder control). Surgical management of pain is the treatment of choice, but only if it can be performed without affecting the neurological structures that are usually very close to the tumor. You may also use radiation therapy.

Ewing's Sarcoma: Ewing's sarcoma is a highly malignant primary bone tumor commonly seen in children (10-20 years). It affects more men than women and is rare in adults over 30 years. The most common site in the spine is the sacrum, followed by the lumbar and thoracic vertebrae. The tumor may extend into the posterior vertebral elements. Rarely, Ewing's sarcoma involves the spine cervical. Pain is usually the chief complaint of patients. Patients are often looking for the combination therapy of surgical removal, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Lymphoma: Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma occasionally affects the spine, its cause is unknown. The tumor may extend from the bone (i.e., vertebral body) to the spinal canal, causing compression of the bone marrow. The most common symptoms are pain, weight loss, fever and a palpable swelling. Lymphomas usually respond to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Surgery may be needed to resolve the compression of the spinal cord or spinal instability.

Multiple Myeloma: Multiple myeloma is the most common primary tumor of the bones and spine. The cause is unknown. Multiple myeloma is rare in children, affects a small percentage of people under 45 years and more common in people 60 to 65 years. The disease destroys the bone and can affect other organs as the kidneys. The most common treatments are radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Surgery may be required to resolve the compression of the spinal cord or spinal instability.

Osteosarcoma: Osteosarcoma of the spine is rare. It usually affects patients in the fourth decade and predominantly in men. Some patients with Paget's disease develop osteosarcoma of the spine. It has been found that any level malignant tumor of the spine, although the lumbar and sacral regions are more common. Osteosarcoma spreads to other body areas. Symptoms include pain, a palpable mass, height loss and neurological deficit (e.g. weakness, numbness). Surgical removal of the tumor followed by radiation and chemotherapy treatment process is the common.

Plasmacytoma: In the column, a plasmacytoma is a bone tumor that commonly affects the thoracic vertebrae. Plasmacytoma usually develops in the bone marrow and typically affects younger people. Since plasmacytomas can become multiple myeloma, we must carefully monitor patients for years after diagnosis. This tumor can cause compression fractures that affect the nerve roots and cause compression of the spinal cord. Symptoms depend on the affected vertebral level, although the pain is the predominant symptom. Radiotherapy is usually used to which is added to surgery for patients who require decompression of neural structures and / or stabilization of the spine.