What Are The Four Main Types of Dog Bone Cancer? Part 3: Fibrosarcoma
The type of bone cancer called Fibrosarcoma is rare. It is responsible for less than 5% of the primary types of bone tumors. It comes from the fibrous connective tissues (hence the name) that are found in the ribs, spine, pelvis, and skull. It can however come from any bone type. It is a non-osteosarcoma bone type, but it is still very difficult to set it apart from the very common osteosarcoma or OSA, specifically what they call fibroblastic osteosarcoma. There are two varieties of this tumor type: Central, and Parosteal. Main treatments for Fibrosarcoma involve amputation, limb salvage and surgical resectioning. Radiation therapy can be applied as alternative pain relief in some special instances. There is chemotherapy to threat the rare instance that cancer spreads, and pain medication.
Why fibrosarcoma develops is still unknown because it is a rare tumor type. It is found more commonly in older male canines, but there is a variety that develops in the mouths of younger dogs.
These can be signs that a dog has fibrosarcoma:
What Are The Four Main Types of Dog Bone Cancer? Part 2: Chondrosarcoma
The second main type of bone tumor in canines is called Chondrosarcoma. It is responsible for 5-10% of all main bone tumor types, although it is not as malignant as Osteosarcoma. It is a tumor in the cartilage, and generally it appears on bones that are flat: ribs, skull bones. It may also appear in the limbs such as the femur bone. The symptoms of this type of bone tumor mimic those of OSA. In most cases the course of action is to remove the tumor to manage the disease. It is found that chemotherapy is ineffective against Chondrosarcoma. In recent studies, however, an antibiotic called fluoroquinolone is seen to be toxic to the cancer cells in the cartilage. Whether this antibiotic will be effective in treating chondrosarcoma remains to be seen. Further studies are needed.
Immediate attention is important in treating chondrosarcoma.The vet will have x-rays taken of the patient so that the affected area is clear. He will determine if the cancer has spread, as about 10% of cases metastasize to the lungs. They can take samples of the enlarged lymph nodes through a needle biopsy, because lymph nodes are usually areas where cancer gathers in the circulatory system.
It is important to take note of the symptoms, which vary relative to the tumor’s location.
Symptoms vary depending on the location of the tumor:
Ribs – there will be a swelling in the costochondral junction, or the area where the ribs meet.
Nasal area – breathing may be difficult, accompanied by sneezing, and nasal discharge.
Pelvis – pain in the pelvic area, especially during examinations
Spine/Vertebrae – no visible clues
