Bone tumors develop when cells in the bone divide without control, forming a mass of tissue. Most bone tumors are benign, which means they are not cancer and cannot spread. However, they may still weaken bone and lead to fractures or cause other problems. Bone cancer destroys normal bone tissue and may spread to other parts of the body (called metastasis).
Benign Bone Tumors
Benign tumors are more common than malignant tumors of the bones. These are a few common types of benign bone tumors:
Osteochondroma is the most common benign bone tumor. It is more common in people under age 20.
Giant cell tumor is a benign tumor, typically affecting the leg (malignant types of this tumor are uncommon).
Osteoid osteoma is a bone tumor, often occurring in long bones, that occurs commonly in the early 20s.
Osteoblastoma is a single tumor that occurs in the spine and long bones, mostly in young adults.
Enchondroma usually appears in bones of the hand and feet. It often has no symptoms. It is the most common type of hand tumor.