Bone Tumors Bone tumors are growths of abnormal cells in the bones. Noncancerous bone tumors are relatively common, but cancerous ones are rare.
Bone pain is the most common symptom of bone tumors.
In addition, a lump or mass may be noticeable. A persistently painful joint or limb should be x-rayed. However, x-rays show only an abnormality, usually without indicating whether a tumor is noncancerous or cancerous. Prompt treatment, which may include some combination of drugs, surgery, and radiation therapy, is extremely important for cancerous tumors. These tumors are growths on the surface of a bone that protrude as hard lumps.