Bone Tumor: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Bone Tumor?
An orthopedic oncologist (a bone and cancer surgeon) usually treats bone tumors. A pathologist (a doctor who studies cells under a microscope) checks the biopsy sample. Some benign tumors are watched by an orthopedic doctor. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is bone tumor?
A bone tumor is an abnormal growth of cells inside a bone. A bone tumor may be noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). Benign bone tumors are more common than cancerous ones. They usually do not spread or destroy bone tissue and are rarely a threat to life. But they can grow and press on healthy bone tissue. Some benign tumors can turn into cancer.
Cancer that starts in a bone is called primary bone cancer. It is rare and includes osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, and Ewing sarcoma. Cancer can also spread to the bone from another part of the body, such as the breast, lung, or prostate. This is more common. It is called metastatic bone cancer and behaves differently from cancer that starts in a bone.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the location and size of the tumor, and some benign tumors cause none at all. Common signs include:
- Bone pain, which may be worse at night. Pain is the most common symptom of bone cancer, but not all bone cancers cause pain.
- Swelling or a lump near the bone, which may feel soft and warm.
- A bone that breaks from a slight injury, or for no known reason.
- Unexplained fever.
Causes and who gets it
In most cases, no specific cause is found. The cause of bone tumors is unknown. Possible causes include genetic variants passed down through families, radiation, and injury. Factors that raise the risk of primary bone cancer include:
- Prior cancer treatment with radiation, chemotherapy, or stem cell transplantation.
- Certain inherited conditions, such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome and hereditary retinoblastoma (an uncommon cancer of the eye).
- Paget disease of bone, a benign bone condition, in people over age 40.
Osteosarcoma is most common in children and teens between ages 10 and 19. Chondrosarcoma occurs mainly in adults over age 40. Bone cancer is more common in people with a family history of cancers.
How doctors diagnose it
The doctor asks about personal and family medical history and does a physical exam. Tests may include:
- X-rays, which show the location, size, and shape of a bone tumor.
- A bone scan, in which a small amount of radioactive material collects in the bones and is detected by a scanner.
- CT scan, MRI, or PET scan, which give detailed pictures of areas inside the body.
- A bone biopsy, removal of a tissue sample from the tumor to check whether cancer is present.
- Blood tests, such as the alkaline phosphatase level.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the type, size, location, and stage of the tumor. It also depends on the person's age and health. Some benign bone tumors go away on their own and only need regular imaging tests to watch them. Surgery may be needed to remove the tumor in some cases. Surgery is the usual treatment for bone cancer. Most patients with bone cancer in an arm or leg can avoid removal of the limb. Other options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, cryosurgery (freezing tumor cells with liquid nitrogen), and targeted therapy. For osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma, chemotherapy given with surgery is usually needed. Chemotherapy is not typically used for chondrosarcoma.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor to determine the cause of any bone symptoms, such as persistent or unusual pain or swelling in or near a bone, unexplained fever, or a bone that breaks for no known reason. People treated for bone cancer should report any unusual symptoms to their doctor right away. Call 911 for sudden, severe pain, sudden weakness, or bleeding that will not stop.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can examine new bone pain and order early imaging, then coordinate visits with the surgeon and cancer doctors. They can also follow your health over the long term during and after treatment.
Common questions
Are all bone tumors cancer?
No. Benign bone tumors are more common than cancerous ones, and some go away on their own. But some benign tumors can turn into cancer, so doctors monitor them with regular imaging tests.
What is the most common symptom of bone cancer?
Pain is the most common symptom, though not all bone cancers cause pain. Swelling or a lump near the bone can also occur.
Can bone cancer be cured?
Sometimes. People with cancerous bone tumors that have not spread may be cured. The chance of cure depends on the type of cancer, its location, its size, and other factors. Ask your doctor about your particular cancer.
Do benign bone tumors need treatment?
Some do not. A doctor may monitor you closely with regular x-rays to see if the tumor shrinks or grows. Surgery may be needed to remove the tumor in some cases.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Bone tumor: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
- National Cancer Institute - Primary Bone Cancer
- MedlinePlus - Bone Cancer
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
