Bone Cancer is a type of cancer that affects the bone tissue and is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer. It occurs due to excessive growth of unusual cells in the bones that can begin in any bone of the body but most commonly affects the pelvis or long bones of arms and legs. The tumour can either be Benign (Non-cancerous) which will not spread to other parts of the body but might weaken the bones and lead to broken bones, o r Malignant (Cancerous) which might spread to other parts of the body and damage them as well. There are two ways that a person might get affected with Malignant Bone Cancer:
- Primary Bone Cancer – It forms in the Bone itself and is a very rare type
- Secondary Bone Cancer – It develops from the spread of cancer cells from other parts of
the body to the Bones and is a usual type.
Signs and Symptoms of Bone Cancer
Often, signs are misidentified as other medical conditions, which leads to a delay in diagnosis and treatment. Thus, it is essential to be aware of potential symptoms, and here we will identify possible indications that one should not ignore:
Pain: It is one of the most common signs, the patient might suffer
continuous and quite severe pains in the affected area, and these pains might get worse
during the Night, which cannot be treated with over-the-counter painkillers.
Difficulty moving: If a patient notices difficulties in moving a particular joint or a bone, then
it can be an indication of Bone Cancer. Usually, this occurs with severe pain and swelling in
the affected area.
Swelling: If a patient detects swelling around a particular Bone along with Tenderness, Heat
and Redness, it can be a sign of Bone Cancer. This can also make joint movement near the
affected area difficult.
Numbness or tingling: The presence of cancer cells in the bones can stress on the nerves
leading to Numbness and tingling sensations. It also causes discomfort and might lead to
weakness.
Limping: A patient developing an unexplained limp can indicate Bone Cancer. This can be
accompanied by pain and swelling in the affected area.
Fractures: Bone cancer generally weakens the bones, making them very sensitive to
fractures, any sudden injury or even a small accident can lead to significant damage.
Fatigue: It is one of the most common symptoms of many diseases, and even for Bone
Cancer. The patient might suffer extreme tiredness despite resting, which indicates the
presence of Bone Cancer.
