Question 1

What is Bone Cancer?

Accepted Answer

Bone cancer is a malignancy that originates in bone tissue or spreads to bones from other organs. It is caused by abnormal cell growth in bone cells (osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma) or metastatic spread from cancers like breast, prostate, or lung. The Alkaline Phosphatase Isoenzymes test is the most important blood test for monitoring bone cancer activity and detecting bone metastases.

Question 2

What causes bone cancer?

Accepted Answer

Bone cancer is caused by abnormal mutations in bone cells that lead to uncontrolled growth. Primary bone cancers like osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, and Ewing sarcoma develop directly in bone tissue, while metastatic bone cancer occurs when cancer cells from breast, prostate, lung, or kidney cancer spread to the bones through the bloodstream. Risk factors include previous radiation therapy, inherited genetic conditions like Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Paget disease of bone, and certain childhood cancers.

Question 3

What is the best test for bone cancer?

Accepted Answer

The Alkaline Phosphatase Isoenzymes test is the most important blood test for monitoring bone cancer because it detects elevated bone-specific enzymes that indicate increased bone cell activity or destruction. While imaging studies like X-rays, CT scans, MRI, and bone scans are essential for initial diagnosis, and tissue biopsy confirms the cancer type, this blood test helps track disease progression and treatment response. High levels of bone alkaline phosphatase can signal primary bone tumors or metastatic bone disease, making it valuable for ongoing monitoring throughout treatment.

Question 4

When should I get tested for bone cancer?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience persistent bone pain that worsens at night or with activity, unexplained bone fractures from minor injuries, noticeable swelling or lumps near bones or joints, unexplained weight loss and fatigue, or if you have a history of cancer that commonly spreads to bones. Testing is especially important if bone pain does not improve with rest or over-the-counter pain medication, or if you have risk factors like previous radiation treatment or genetic conditions associated with bone cancer.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of bone cancer?

Accepted Answer

Bone cancer symptoms include persistent bone pain that may worsen at night or during activity, swelling or tenderness near the affected bone, fractures that occur with minimal trauma, unexplained lumps or masses on bones, fatigue and weakness, unintended weight loss, and limited range of motion in nearby joints. Pain is typically the first symptom and may come and go initially before becoming constant. Some people also experience fever, especially with Ewing sarcoma.

Question 6

Who is at risk for bone cancer?

Accepted Answer

People at higher risk for bone cancer include children and young adults (primary bone cancers are more common in those under 20), individuals with a history of radiation therapy to bones, people with genetic conditions like Li-Fraumeni syndrome or hereditary retinoblastoma, those with Paget disease of bone, and patients with existing cancers that commonly metastasize to bone such as breast, prostate, lung, kidney, or thyroid cancer. Previous treatment with certain chemotherapy drugs and having a bone marrow transplant also increase risk.

Question 7

What happens if bone cancer is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated bone cancer can lead to severe complications including pathological fractures where bones break easily, spread of cancer to lungs and other organs, debilitating chronic pain, loss of limb function or paralysis if the spine is affected, hypercalcemia from bone breakdown causing kidney damage and confusion, severe anemia and weakened immune system, and ultimately death. Early detection and treatment significantly improve survival rates, with localized bone cancer having much better outcomes than cancer that has spread to distant sites.

Question 8

Can bone cancer be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Bone cancer cannot be definitively diagnosed with a blood test alone, but blood tests play an important supporting role. The Alkaline Phosphatase Isoenzymes test can detect elevated bone enzyme levels that suggest bone cancer or metastases, while imaging studies like X-rays, CT scans, MRI, and bone scans visualize tumors directly. A tissue biopsy is always required to confirm the diagnosis and determine the specific cancer type. Blood tests are valuable for monitoring disease activity and treatment response once bone cancer is diagnosed.

Question 9

How is bone cancer treated?

Accepted Answer

Bone cancer is treated with a combination of surgery to remove the tumor, chemotherapy to kill cancer cells, radiation therapy to shrink tumors and relieve pain, targeted therapy drugs that attack specific cancer markers, and immunotherapy to boost the immune system against cancer. Treatment depends on the cancer type, stage, location, and whether it is primary or metastatic. Limb-sparing surgery is often possible, though amputation may be necessary in advanced cases. Physical therapy and pain management are important parts of comprehensive bone cancer care.

Question 10

How can I prevent bone cancer?

Accepted Answer

Most bone cancers cannot be prevented because their exact causes are unknown, but you can reduce risk by minimizing radiation exposure when possible, maintaining regular follow-up if you have genetic conditions associated with bone cancer, managing Paget disease with appropriate treatment, and attending cancer surveillance screenings if you have a history of cancers that spread to bone. Maintaining strong bones through adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, regular weight-bearing exercise, and avoiding smoking may support overall bone health, though these measures have not been proven to prevent bone cancer specifically.

Question 11

What can I do at home for bone cancer?

Accepted Answer

While home remedies cannot treat bone cancer, you can support your overall health by eating a nutrient-rich diet with adequate protein, calcium, and vitamin D to support bone strength, managing pain with prescribed medications and heat or ice packs as recommended, staying as physically active as your healthcare team advises to maintain strength and mobility, getting adequate rest to help your body cope with treatment, joining support groups for emotional support, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol which can interfere with treatment. Always work closely with your oncology team and report any new symptoms or worsening pain immediately.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Bone Cancer Blood Test

What is Bone Cancer?

What causes bone cancer?

What is the best test for bone cancer?

When should I get tested for bone cancer?

References

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