Bone cancer treatment in Turkey: What You Need to Know 2024

Benign & malignant bone tumors

Bone cancer comes in two forms:

• Primary bone tumors grow directly from bone cells.
• Bone metastases are cancer cells from another organ that have spread to the bone.

While most bone tumors are benign and do not spread, malignant tumors can invade nearby tissues and spread throughout the body.

Treatments for bone cancer are tailored to the type of tumor, its stage, and the patient's overall condition. They may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these treatments.

Types of primary bone cancer

Primary bone cancers, often called sarcomas, are malignant tumors that develop directly from bone cells or cartilage tissue. These cancers most commonly affect the limbs, but can occur in any part of the skeleton. Although these tumors can occur at any age, they are more common in children, adolescents, and young adults.

There are several types of sarcomas, each characterized by the type of bone cell that gives rise to the tumor. The most common include:

• Osteosarcoma: This type of cancer, which is most common in young people, develops from bone-forming cells. It often presents as bone pain, swelling, and tenderness at the site of the tumor. The lower limbs, especially around the knee, are most commonly affected.
• Ewing's sarcoma: This cancer, which primarily affects children and teenagers, can develop in bone or nearby soft tissue. It often presents with pain, swelling, and fever. The bones of the pelvis, legs, and arms are most commonly affected.
• Chondrosarcoma: More common in adults, this type of cancer develops from cartilage cells. It is often slow growing and can remain asymptomatic for a long time. Large bones such as the hip, pelvis, shoulder, and extremities are most commonly affected.

Types of benign bone tumors

Benign bone tumors are abnormal growths that develop in bone but do not spread to other organs. Although they are not usually life-threatening, they can cause problems such as joint pain, fractures, or limited movement.

These tumors can be classified into several types, each with its own characteristics. The most common include:

• Non-ossified fibroids: very common benign lesions.
• Bone cysts: fluid-filled cavities within the bone.
• Osteochondromas: benign cartilaginous growths.
• Giant cell tumors: Benign tumors that can be locally aggressive. They primarily affect the epiphyses of long bones.
• Fibrous dysplasia: A disorder of bone development.
• Chondroblastoma: A rare tumor of cartilaginous origin that develops at the ends of bones.
• Aneurysmal bone cyst: A benign, blood-filled bone lesion that can grow rapidly.
• Osteoid osteoma: A small tumor that often causes severe pain.

The differential diagnosis of benign bone tumors can be complex due to the presence of numerous mimetic pathologies. These conditions, although non-tumoral, often require in-depth evaluation and specific treatments for accurate diagnosis and optimal management.

Early symptoms of bone cancer

Symptoms that may indicate the presence of bone cancer include:

• Bone pain: Particularly at night and worsened by physical activity, this is often the first sign of a bone tumor. These pains are usually described as deep and persistent.
• A palpable mass in the bone: A lump with no apparent cause may be a sign of a growing tumor.
• General symptoms: Fever, night sweats, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss may also occur.

Although trauma does not directly cause bone tumors, it can aggravate associated pain or reveal an existing tumor by causing a pathologic fracture.

Causes of bone cancer

While the exact causes of bone cancer are unknown, certain factors may increase the risk of developing bone cancer:

• Genetic factors: Certain inherited genetic disorders, such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome or retinoblastoma, may predispose a person to osteosarcoma. These rare genetic diseases significantly increase the risk of developing several types of cancer, including bone cancer.
• Preexisting bone disease: Paget's disease, a chronic bone disease that weakens the bones, is a known risk factor for developing osteosarcoma. This disease, which is more common in the elderly, interferes with normal bone turnover and may promote the transformation of certain cells into cancerous ones.
• Radiation exposure: Exposure to high doses of radiation, especially during treatment for other cancers, is a known risk factor for the development of osteosarcoma. People who have undergone radiation therapy, especially at a young age, are more likely to develop this type of cancer.

Bone cancer treatment in Turkey: a multidisciplinary approach

Bone cancer requires complex, individualized treatment. In Turkey, patients benefit from cutting-edge medical expertise and close collaboration between oncologists, radiotherapists, orthopedic surgeons and other specialists.

The main goal of treatment is to:

• Cure cancer by eliminating all cancer cells while preserving as much bone and joint function as possible.
• Improve patients' quality of life through less invasive treatments and innovative bone reconstruction techniques that limit functional and aesthetic sequelae.

Bone cancer treatment options in Turkey

Bone cancer treatment options in Turkey vary according to tumor type, stage and overall condition. The main treatment options include:

• Surgery: Surgical removal of the tumor is the first-line treatment. Surgical techniques have evolved considerably and allow for limb preservation in the majority of cases, thanks to the use of custom-made bone prostheses.
• Chemotherapy: Often combined with surgery, before or after surgery, to destroy microscopic cancer cells that may have spread to other organs.
• Radiation therapy: Used to treat residual tumors or to relieve pain from bone metastases.
• Targeted therapies: These innovative therapies target cancer cells while sparing healthy cells.

Regular monitoring is essential to detect any recurrence early and to adjust treatment if necessary. These medical advances have greatly improved the chances of cure and survival for bone cancer patients.

Cure bone tumors with Turquie Santé

Treating bone cancer requires comprehensive, personalized care. By choosing a reference center in Turkey, you benefit from recognized expertise and access to the latest medical innovations.

Turquie Santé is with you every step of the way:

• A tailor-made treatment plan drawn up by a multidisciplinary team.
• Cutting-edge technologies for optimum efficacy.
• Personalized follow-up throughout your stay.

Contact us today for a free evaluation of your case.