Download Tumors of the Bone

Tumors of the Bone
By: Pretoria Hoyte
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)
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
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
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
Diagnostic Tests
cont.
• Needle biopsy- the
doctor inserts a needle
into the tumor to
remove some tissue
• Open biopsy- the
doctor uses surgery to
remove tissue
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)
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
•
The End