Benign Bone Tumor
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
A benign bone tumor may start in the bone or in the cartilage at the end of the bone. Benign means the tumor is not cancer and cannot spread. Some benign bone tumors can change and become cancer. A benign tumor may grow large enough to cause problems with movement or with organ function. A tumor can also weaken the bone and cause it to fracture easily. Your risk for a benign bone tumor is increased if you have a family history of bone tumors.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Medicines:
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take this medicine.
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions. Do not give these medicines to children younger than 6 months without direction from a healthcare provider.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Seek care immediately if:
- You have no feeling in or near the area of the tumor.
- You are unable to move the limb that has the tumor.
- You have severe pain.
- Your bone breaks.
Contact your healthcare provider if:
- Your pain is worse or does not go away after you take pain medicine.
- You feel new or larger tumors.
- You have a fever.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Follow up with your healthcare provider as directed:
You may need to come back to have the tumor checked over time. Your provider will check the size of the tumor and may test it to make sure it has not become cancer.
Ask about activity:
Ask when you may exercise and which exercises are best for you. Your healthcare provider may recommend weight-bearing exercises, such as brisk walking, dancing, or yoga. Weight-bearing exercises help build or maintain bone. Weightlifting also helps strengthen bones and build muscle. Extra muscle can help protect your bones. Your healthcare provider may recommend weightlifting 3 times per week as part of your exercise routine.
Eat a variety of healthy foods:
Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, lean meats, low-fat dairy products, and fish. Your healthcare provider may recommend that you eat more calcium and vitamin D to help strengthen your bones.
Do not smoke:
Smoking increases your risk for cancer. Smoking can also increase your risk for bone fractures and delay healing. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help quitting.
Limit or do not drink alcohol as directed:
Alcohol increases your risk for cancer. Limit alcohol to 2 drinks per day if you are a man. Limit alcohol to 1 drink per day if you are a woman. A drink of alcohol is 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1½ ounces of liquor.
Drink liquids as directed:
You may need to drink more liquid than usual. Ask your healthcare provider how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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