Pediatric Bone Tumors

You can rely on UM Children’s Hospital for supportive care and treatment when your child is facing a bone tumor diagnosis.

Choose UM Children's for Bone Tumor Treatment

At UM Children’s Hospital, our pediatric cancer team will work closely with you to discuss each step of the treatment plan and address any questions or concerns you have. We provide advanced procedures and treatments to give your child the best care they can receive. 

We offer comprehensive support services, including social workers, child life specialists and psychologists to help your child and your family throughout the process. We also provide support groups and counseling. 

To discuss your child's bone tumor diagnosis or related concerns, call 410-328-2808 for an appointment. 

What Are Pediatric Bone Tumors? 

Pediatric bone tumors are cancer cells that form in different bones of the body. Risk factors for developing bone tumors include rapid bone growth that occurs during a child’s growth spurts, exposure to radiation, genetic factors and bone infarction (a lack of blood supply to bone tissue that destroys cells).

Types of Pediatric Bone Tumors

There are two main types of pediatric bone tumors:

• Ewing sarcoma – This is a rare, highly metastatic cancer that mostly affects children and young adults. About 250 cases are diagnosed in the United States every year. It often begins in the legs or the pelvis, but can happen in any bone.
• Osteosarcoma – This type of cancer is most often seen in teenagers. It most often affects long bones, like those in the arms and legs. Between 400 and 1,000 new cases are diagnosed in the United States every year. Osteosarcoma can be low grade (slow-growing), intermediate grade or high grade (likely to spread quickly).

Signs and Symptoms of Bone Tumors in Kids

Symptoms of a pediatric bone tumor can vary depending on the child and the tumor’s size. Common signs include pain, swelling, bone fracture, numbness or tingling, weakness, trouble breathing and irregular heartbeat.

If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, please consult your pediatrician.

Diagnosing Bone Tumors in Your Child

Diagnosing a pediatric bone tumor usually involves a series of tests:

• Physical examination
• Imaging tests – ultrasound, CT scan, bone scan or MRI
• Blood and urine tests 
• Biopsy

How to Treat Pediatric Bone Tumors

The specific treatment plan will depend on the type and stage of the tumor, as well as your child's age and overall health. Common treatment options include: 

• Surgery – This is commonly performed for pediatric bone tumors. The goal is to remove the entire tumor.
• Chemotherapy – This uses powerful medications to destroy cancer cells.
• Radiation therapy – This uses high-energy X-rays to target and kill cancer cells.
• Physical therapy – This helps children to strengthen their muscles and recover more quickly.
• Targeted therapy – This uses newer drugs that act with chemotherapy to treat bone tumors.