Benign bone tumors may not require treatment but may be assessed periodically to check for progression or regression. Surgical removal may be necessary.

Treatment for malignant tumors that have spread to bone depends upon the primary tissue or organ involved. Radiation therapy with chemotherapy or hormone therapy is commonly used.

Primary malignant tumors of bone (tumors that start in the bone) are rare and require treatment at centers with experience treating these cancers. After biopsy, a combination of chemotherapy and surgery is usually necessary. Radiation therapy may be needed before or after surgery.

Prognosis varies depending on the type of tumor. The outcome is expected to be good for people with benign tumors, although some types of benign tumors may eventually become malignant.

With malignant bone tumors that have not spread, most patients achieve a cure. Because the cure rate depends on the type of cancer, location, size, and other factors, the prognosis in particular situations should be discussed with your doctor

• Pain
• Function may be reduced depending on the extent of the tumor
• Spread of the cancer to other nearby tissues (metastasis)
• Side effects of chemotherapy (if necessary) depend on the specific chemotherapy given