When cells divide abnormally and uncontrollably, they can form a mass or lump of tissue called a tumor. Bone tumors occur when a tumor forms in a bone. As the tumor grows, the abnormal tissue replaces the healthy tissue.
There are two types of bone tumors: benign (not cancerous) and malignant (cancerous).

Benign tumors are slow-growing, noncancerous, and do not spread to surrounding tissues. They are often diagnosed following a minor trauma, bone break or history of pain. Treatment options vary depending on the size, type and location of the benign bone tumors, but surgery will generally treat these tumors.

Types of benign tumors:

  • Osteochondromas
  • Nonossifying fibroma unicameral
  • Giant cell tumors
  • Enchondroma
  • Fibrous dysplasia
  • Aneurysmal bone cyst

A malignant (cancerous) tumor can grow unchecked, invade healthy tissue and spread to other parts of the body (metastasize). If it goes untreated and continues to spread, it can interfere with organ function and become life-threatening.

Types of malignant bone tumors:

  • Osteosarcoma
  • Ewing sarcoma family of tumors (ESFTs)
  • Chondrosarcoma

Would you like to schedule an appointment with the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders?

Schedule

What are the signs and symptoms of a bone tumor?

The most common symptom of a bone tumor is a dull ache in the affected bone. The pain may start as occasional and become more serious, even waking the patient at night.

Because tumors may weaken a bone, sometimes the bone might break in what may seem like an insignificant injury. This is called a pathologic fracture.

Other symptoms may include:

  • Swelling near the tumor
  • A new mass of tissue
  • Night sweats or fevers

What causes bone tumors?

There isn’t a clear cause for most bone tumors. A small number may be linked to genetics, radiation treatment and injuries to the bones.

How are bone tumors treated?

Doctors at Connecticut Children’s can determine the right plan if your child requires treatment for a bone tumor.

Some benign tumors, such as an osteochondroma, may not require any treatment. We may decide to watch the tumor over time with periodic follow-up X-rays. In some cases, we may recommend surgery to remove the benign tumor because they can sometimes spread or transform into malignant tumors.

Treatment for malignant tumors depends on the type of cancer and how far it has progressed. If the cancer is limited to one area and hasn’t spread, the tumor may be removed through surgery. Other common treatments include chemotherapy, which kills cancer cells throughout the body, and radiation therapy, which kills cancer cells in a specific area of the body.

Treatment for malignant tumors also includes extensive family and child support from our team at Connecticut Children’s.