{"id":2183,"date":"2018-10-01T08:34:48","date_gmt":"2018-10-01T08:34:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=2183"},"modified":"2021-05-19T19:52:54","modified_gmt":"2021-05-19T19:52:54","slug":"8-main-bone-cancer-symptoms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/8-main-bone-cancer-symptoms\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Main Bone Cancer Symptoms"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u2018Cancer\u2019 is a dreaded word, but the reality is that this disease could strike at any time.<\/p>\n

However, the best way of dealing with cancer, as widely agreed by doctors all over the world, is to catch it early. That\u2019s why it is wise to know of certain cancer symptoms in general so that you can be on the safe side.<\/p>\n

One of the most painful kinds of cancer is bone cancer.<\/p>\n

Though it\u2019s extremely rare, it still makes sense to know the signs in order to seek help right away. Most commonly, bone cancer affects the arms, legs, and pelvis bones.<\/p>\n

Another major reason why we have to be vigilant about bone cancer is that children are likely to be susceptible to it. Parents have to be aware of the illnesses that a child can get and be on the alert for any warning symptoms. These include the ones below:<\/p>\n

1. Bone Pain<\/h3>\n

If you or someone you know, especially a child, has bone pain that just won\u2019t quit, it may be time for a thorough checkup. A doctor\u2019s appointment is definitely on the charts if the bone pain consistently shows up, or comes and goes without any apparent reason. Another cause for alarm is when the bone pain seems to get even worse a night, perhaps due to the drop in temperature. This may be a sign of weakness that\u2019s aggravated by the cancerous tumors<\/a> in the bones area.<\/p>\n

Take a brief look to see if the pelvis, legs, or arms are affected\u2014or have someone observe them. The bone pain in question may also be unresponsive to OTC (over the counter) medication such as painkillers, sedatives, etc. In the case of both children and adults, such band-aid solutions should be used sparingly in any case. It\u2019s much better to consult an expert immediately.\"\"<\/p>\n

2. Weak Bones<\/h3>\n

If the bones are getting really painful, this is a warning symptom that they\u2019re also getting weak. Hence, people with a certain kind of bone cancer may find themselves breaking bones with more regularity than is to be expected. These breaking bones could range from minor fractures<\/a> that are barely noticeable to major ones through slipping or falling.<\/p>\n

If you find bones breaking due to minor falls, it may be time to seek medical attention in addition to setting the bones back together.\u00a0 The dangerous part here is that many people may not even realize that the pain they’re feeling is due to a greenstick fracture. It is recommended that we make use of X-rays whenever we feel an insistent and sharp pain after a minor accident. It\u2019s also essential to get the broken bones seen to; otherwise, they may not knit properly and cause more pain. \"\"<\/p>\n

3. Fatigue<\/h3>\n

One well-known symptom of any kind of cancer is a high level of tiredness and fatigue<\/a>. The same is the case with bone cancer, which could lead to one literally being bone tired. The bones are aching and weak in such cases.
\nThis sort of fatigue is far removed from the normal tiredness after a hard day\u2019s work.<\/p>\n

It may come about after performing even minor tasks, or simply be present from the minute you wake up. It\u2019s simply not normal to be completely exhausted every single day. Fatigue is even more troublesome in a child, since kids are usually so full of energy. It may be a cause to worry if a child is consistently tired and sleepy. It might be especially troubling if he or she isn\u2019t even interested in food, play, or a bedtime story, but just wants to doze off or keep resting. \"\"<\/p>\n

4. Unusual Weight Loss<\/h3>\n

This is again an universal symptom of cancers everywhere and of every kind. Many people may find it delightful to drop weight without really trying, but this is actually quite an alarming occurrence. Think about it; you\u2019re taking in nourishment, so it should be making your body strong and at least maintaining the weight, right? If you\u2019re eating everything under the sun and still see the scale numbers spinning back, that\u2019s a cause for great alarm.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re not doing any strenuous exercise, the weight loss is probably due to some weakness<\/a> in your body. This may be the cancer that\u2019s not letting it absorb the nutrients of what you\u2019re eating. If you lose around ten pounds without any decent explanation, you may want to get an appointment sooner rather than later. Remember, the sooner you catch it, the better your chances of fighting back!\"\"<\/p>\n

5. Unexplained Swelling and\/or Tenderness<\/h3>\n

If you notice any unusual swelling<\/a> or tenderness in your body, wait and see if it subsides and goes away with the usual treatment. Again, this may be a sign of a broken bone, so do get an X-ray done if the swollen area is painful to touch.\u00a0 If the swelling, tenderness, redness, or any sign of weakness seems to occur almost everyday, this may be cause enough to request a biopsy.<\/p>\n

If there are other symptoms occurring with this one, you should insist on a biopsy even if your doctor seems reluctant. Go for a second opinion just in case. Cancerous cells usually cause the bone to weaken, making those areas susceptible to all kinds of additional diseases as well. Of course, this symptom and many others may be due to some non-cancerous issues as well. However, better be safe than sorry!\"\"<\/p>\n

6. Painful Movement<\/h3>\n

If the cancerous tumor is located near or on a bone joint, you may be finding that bone extremely difficult and painful to move. Many people may attribute this to a simple fracture or even a severe sprain, but this is quite a dangerous assumption.<\/p>\n

If the movement seems to be painfully limited for a long period of time, a doctor\u2019s appointment is highly necessary.
\nAn X-ray<\/a> might show a broken bone; if the painful and limited mobility isn\u2019t due to this, then the red flag of cancer just may go up. In any case, remember that bone cancer is extremely rare, and the tumors may not even be cancerous.\u00a0 The odds are in your favor, but you or your suffering loved one needs to get checked up as soon as possible. Taking some action now could result in a lot of ease in the future.\"\"<\/p>\n

7. Problems in Breathing<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re feeling tired out, fatigued, and are losing weight to boot, feeling breathless is completely expected. The least strenuous activity may leave you gasping and panting for breath, simply because you don’t have the strength for any kind of movement. However, suffering from serious problems in breathing may also be a sign of something more severe. Don\u2019t panic, but reathing issues with cancer may be due to the fact that the cancer has spread. This could be especially true if the bone cancer has started affecting the lungs and other organs.<\/p>\n

Of course, it may also be because lung cancer<\/a> has spread to the bones, but we wouldn\u2019t term it \u2018bone cancer\u2019 in such cases. Anyway, this is precisely why we need to take action as quickly as possible; cancer is a malignant disease and one that spreads throughout the body without us realizing it. \"\"<\/p>\n

8. Numbness and Tingling<\/h3>\n

When the spinal bones are affected by cancerous cells, the latter may press upon the nerves. Since the spine is the headquarters of our nervous system, the symptoms of the occurrence could be quite serious.<\/p>\n

Among the first warning signs would actually be a numb feeling in unexplained areas of the body. They may not be near the spinal area, but their nerves are getting affected by the pressure from the tumors.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re experiencing sudden, consistent, and unexplained numbness<\/a> or tingling feelings, you may want to get checked up. With any luck, if tumors are causing this issue, they may be non-cancerous.<\/p>\n

Of course, this issue and the others on this list may also be due to everyday injuries or natural aging ailments such as arthritis. In any case, it\u2019s imperative that you see your doctor if the tingling and numbness persist for long.<\/p>\n

\"\"9. Anemia<\/h3>\n

This condition occurs due to a lack of hemoglobin production. Hemoglobin<\/a> is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. Anemia typically occurs due to low iron levels in the blood, which reduce hemoglobin production. However, people with bone cancer can develop anemia as well. <\/span><\/p>\n

When bone metastasis starts to affect the bone marrow, it begins to produce fewer red blood cells, reducing the ability of hemoglobin reducing the transport of hemoglobin \u2014 people who experience anemia notice that they feel tired all of the time. As the disease unfolds, the person enters a state of chronic fatigue that affects their cognitive abilities, such as thinking, concentration, and decision making.<\/span><\/p>\n

Doctors treat the effects of anemia by increasing foods containing iron in your diet. They may also include an iron supplement as well. Patients suffering from the impact of anemia will typically experience a reduction in symptoms over the course of a few weeks as their hemoglobin count starts to rise.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"10. Urinary and Bowel Incontinence<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Another symptom of bone cancer missed by many people affected by the disease \u2013 is incontinence. This disorder occurs due to the inability of the prostate to allow for the release of urine in men. As a result, the prostate clamps down on the urethra, preventing the bladder<\/a> from emptying. When the prostate relaxes, it doesn\u2019t stop the flow of urine, and men may experience dribbling of urine throughout the day.<\/span><\/p>\n

This incontinence can also affect the rectum, causing aberrations with sphincter function that lead to bowel incontinence and leaking of fecal excrement. Both of these disorders are uncomfortable and embarrassing to live with, and in some cases, the incontinence can become so advanced that the affected individual may need to wear adult diapers or use a catheter to deal with the effects of incontinence.<\/span><\/p>\n

Medical science is unclear as to how bone cancer causes these symptoms, but it\u2019s a common theme in the advanced stages of the disease and affects both men and women. Some physicians believe it occurs due to compression of the spinal cord.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"11. Blood Problems<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

As bone cancer spreads and infects the bone marrow, it begins to produce several complications with blood cells. We\u2019ve already discussed how symptoms of anemia<\/a> start to present as the disease metastases. However, when bone cancer reaches the marrow, it also affects white blood cell count as well. White blood cells, also known as T-cells, are the immune systems bodyguards that help to fight off invading bacteria and other pathogens, preventing infection.<\/span><\/p>\n

In a weakened state, the bone marrow produces fewer white blood cells, exposing the affected individual to infection. Other blood abnormalities include a reduction in platelet production, which results in excessive bleeding from internal and external injuries.<\/span><\/p>\n

All of these blood disorders can be life-threatening if left undiagnosed and unmanaged. Your doctor will review your blood cell count with a bloodwork screen to detect levels of these cells in your body. Treatment may include chemotherapy, and other forms of radiation to kill the cancer cells and stop their spread into bone marrow. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"12. Spinal Cord Pressure<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Metastases on bone cancer to other areas of the body affects many different components of the skeletal system. In some cases, bone cancer may start to develop in the spinal cord, increasing inflammation in the discs and spinal fluid. <\/span><\/p>\n

This inflammatory condition is called, \u201cmalignant spinal cord compression, (MSCC).\u201d MSCC causes a variety of symptoms affecting the nervous system, including pain in the back or neck, as well as muscle weakness, numbness, incontinence, and a tingling<\/a> sensation in the hands and feet.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you have a bone cancer diagnosis and notice any signs of MSCC, its vital that you inform your doctor as soon as possible, the early detection and treatment of the condition is crucial to ensure that it does not advance into severe complications with the nervous system. Being that bone cancer is a terminal disease, the doctors may not be able to cure MSCC, but they can slow its progression and improve your quality of life.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"13. Elevated Calcium Levels<\/strong>
\n<\/span><\/h3>\n

When bone cancer starts to metastases to other areas of the body, it can cause the bones to release more calcium into the bloodstream<\/a>. Bones need calcium for strength and the production of new bone cells. However, people who are suffering from the effects of bone cancer experience a reverse of the normal accumulation of calcium, sending it into the bloodstream<\/span><\/p>\n

Calcium is an essential mineral, but when its present in significant concentrations in the blood, it can lead to cardiovascular conditions as it begins to clog the artery walls, resulting in hypertension, and blockages that can cause congestive heart failure.<\/span><\/p>\n

Elevated calcium levels in the blood are known as, \u201chypercalcemia.\u201d Patients experiencing the condition may start to notice feelings of fatigue, along with nausea, constipation, increased thirst, and confusion. If left untreated, hypercalcemia may result in severe health complications that can be fatal in your weakened state. Your doctor will discover hypercalcemia in your routine blood work when it occurs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"14. Metastases to other Areas<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Like all other cancers, people affected by bone cancer run the risk of the disease spreading to other areas of the body. This process, known as, \u201cmetastases,\u201d occurs during the advanced stages of the disease, and can result in tumors developing in other tissues<\/a> and organs. <\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s vital that you stay on top of your condition and make regular visits to your doctor to monitor the development of the disease. Many cancer patients develop feelings of malaise and hopelessness after a cancer diagnosis. As a result, they decide that they are going to die and develop an attitude where they fail to see the point in keeping up their regular checkups with their physician. <\/span><\/p>\n

However, it\u2019s important to understand that medical science makes advances every day, and the treatment for your condition is continuously improving as technology improves. Giving up should never be a thought that you give into – Treatment can extend your longevity and improve your quality of life.<\/span>
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