What are the symptoms of bone cancer?

What are the symptoms of bone cancer?

Bone cancer symptoms tend to develop slowly. These symptoms depend on the type, location, and the size of the tumor.

Symptoms:

·        Bone pain: The pain often comes and goes at first. It tends to become worse at night, and it may be better with movements. Later on, it is there all the time and may be worse during activities. The bone might be so weak and causes fracture.

·        Sometimes, a firm, slightly tender lump on the bone can be felt through the skin.

·        Problems with movements.

·        Bone fractures: Bones can break, and this causes sudden, severe pain and keeps you from moving. The bones that are more likely to break are the long bones of the arms and legs, and the bones of the spine. Sudden pain in the middle of the back is sometimes a sign of bone breaking. 

However, these symptoms are not sure signs of bone cancer. They might be caused by other less serious problems. Individuals who are experiencing these symptoms should consult a doctor.

Other signs of bone cancer include:

·        Swelling of joints and tenderness for tumors in or near joints.

·        Fatigue

·        Fever

·        Unintentionally weight loss

·        Anaemia

Secondary bone cancer symptoms:

·        Chronic pain in the afflicted area.

·        Bones are weakened, often leads to pathological fractures.

·   Bone fractures that occur as a result of the fragility of the bones, not because of the external forces.

·     Pressure on the spinal cord: Cancer growth in the back bones can press on the spinal cord. This is a serious problem as it does not only cause pain, but the pressure can cause damage to the spinal cord. The arms and legs might become numb or even paralyzed. The first symptom of this problem is trouble passing urine because nerves from the spinal cord control the bladder.

·  High blood calcium (hypercalcemia): High levels of calcium in the blood are caused by release of calcium form bones. This can cause loss of appetite, nausea, extreme thirst, confusion, and fatigue. It might lead to coma if it is not treated.

·  Anaemia and increased susceptibility to infection as cancer cells invade further into the bone and hamper the bone marrow to manufacture blood cells. Therefore, reducing the overall body resistance.