Bone cancer is a disease that starts within the bone. It usually occurs within the bones of the arms or legs, but can manifest in other areas such as the jaw. It can affect people of all ages. The types that specifically affect children include osteosarcoma or Ewing's sarcoma, but those can also affect adults. A condition called Chondrosarcoma generally affects adults and the risks increase as a person ages. Bone cancer can be a painful and debilitating condition, but it is also very rare and treatment options are expanding.Symptoms and Risk Factors for Bone CancerThe most common symptom of bone cancer is pain within the affected bone. Swelling may also be seen. Rapid weight loss that isn't a result of diet and exercise or other explanations can also be a symptom, along with being frequently fatigued. DNA mutations, hereditary conditions, and exposure to radiation are all considered to be risk factors or causes of bone cancer. Sometimes bone cancer develops after radiation is given during treatment of another type of cancer.Diagnosis and TreatmentIf a doctor suspects bone cancer during a physical exam, he or she will order some tests. Some of these tests might include a blood test. A blood test determines how much of a certain type of enzyme is within the bloodstream that could be indicative of cancer. A bone scan is also a useful diagnostic tool along with a CT scan. During those tests, a dye is injected into the body that helps doctors see inside the blood vessels and bones. X-rays are another common test. A definitive diagnosis can be achieved by doing a biopsy of the bone. The results are tested in a lab by a pathologist. There are four stages to bone cancer, with stage one being the earliest. Treatment depends on which stage the cancer is caught in. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and cryosurgery are all used to treat bone cancer. Regular follow-up care is recommended for someone who has been diagnosed, because even after treatment, bone cancer can return.