Bone cancer is a sarcoma (cancerous tumor) that arises in the bone. The most common types of primary bone cancer are osteosarcomas, chondrosarcomas and the Ewing's family of tumors. There are about 2,500 new cases each year in the U. S., making primary bone cancer relatively rare. Osteosarcoma and Ewing’s sarcoma occur more frequently in children and adolescents; chondrosarcoma occurs more often in adults.

Secondary (or metastatic) bone cancer is cancer that spreads to the bone from another part of the body. This type of bone cancer occurs more commonly than primary bone cancer.

Symptoms of bone cancer can vary depending on the size and location of the tumor. Pain is the most common symptom, as well as swelling and tenderness (from a tumor in or near a joint) or difficulty with normal movement. Other symptoms may include fatigue, fever, weight loss and anemia.