What is Bone Marrow Cancer?

Most bone cancers are called secondary tumors because they arise from other cancers which have spread from other parts of the body. Cancers that actually arise in the bones are relatively uncommon. However, there are two major types of bone cancer: Osteosarcoma and Ewing’s sarcoma. Ewing’s sarcoma, or bone marrow cancer, is usually most common in people under the age of 20.

Bone marrow cancer most commonly occurs in the shafts of long bones. Although the first signs of bone marrow cancer varies from patient to patient, symptoms may include fever, fatigue, poor appetite, and weight loss. However, the early symptoms may be so sporadic and subtle, the patient may not see a doctor until the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

In the past, when people were diagnosed with bone marrow cancer, the treatment typically involved the removal of the cancerous marrow through extensive surgery. However, a combination of high does of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and conservative surgery is now being used. Generally, during the surgery, the healthy bone marrow is removed through two very small incisions in the back of the hip (or from the iliac crest) while the patient is under anesthesia. The bone marrow is processed and stored in a freezer. While this is being done, the patient will receive chemotherapy and radiation. Usually one or two days later, they will then receive their own marrow back.