Tumors of the Bone

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Tumors of the Bone

• By Pretoria Hoyte

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Etiology

• A tumor is a lump or mass of tissue that forms
  when cells divide uncontrollably.
• A growing tumor may replace healthy tissue with
  abnormal tissue.
• This may weaken the bone causing it to break.
• Most tumors are non-cancerous (benign), some are
  cancerous (malignant)

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Etiology cont.

• Multiple Myeloma- the most common primary bone
  cancer, is a malignant tumor of the bone marrow.
  Most cases are seen in patients aged 50 to 70,
  and any bone can be involved
• Osteogenic sarcoma- the second most common bone
  cancer. Most of these tumors occur around the
  knee. Other locations include the hip and
  shoulder
• Osteochondroma- is the most common benign tumor,
  usually affecting the humerus, tibia, femur

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Symptoms

• Most patients with a bone tumor will experience
  pain in the area of the tumor
• Some tumors can also cause fevers and night
  sweats
• Many patients will not experience any symptoms,
  but will instead note a painless mass

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Diagnostic Tests

• This bone scan confirms there is a bone tumor in
  the middle of the femur
• A complete blood count and platelet count may be
  done
• Serum protein levels are checked

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Diagnostic Testscont.

• Needle biopsy- the doctor inserts a needle into
  the tumor to remove some tissue
• Open biopsy- the doctor uses surgery to remove
  tissue

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Treatment

• In many cases, benign tumors just need to be
  watched.
• Generally the malignant tumor is removed using
  surgery
• Limb salvage surgery
• Amputation
• Radiation therapy
• Systemic treatment (chemotherapy)

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Nursing Interventions

• Preoperatively the patient and family need
  complete and concise info about procedures
• Postoperatively the nurse need to perform
  neurovascular assessments
• Monitor vital signs
• Provide cast care or dressing changes with
  careful documentation of drainage, odors, and
  check for signs of circulation impairment

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The End