Cancer is a word that strikes fear in the hearts of many, and rightfully so. It is a devastating disease that affects not only the individual but also their family and loved ones. Of the many types of cancer that exist, bone cancer is one of the most debilitating and can be especially difficult to detect early on. It happens because abnormal cells within the bones begin to grow uncontrollably, often leading to a range of bone cancer symptoms that can be incredibly painful and debilitating.
Unfortunately, bone cancer symptoms can be difficult to pinpoint and are often mistaken for more commonplace aches and pains. This is why it’s so important to be aware of the warning signs and seek medical attention if you suspect that you may have bone cancer. As with many forms of cancer, early detection is critical to effective treatment and the best chance at a positive outcome.
In this blog post, we will take a deep dive into the world of bone cancer symptoms. We’ll explore the various warning signs and why they happen in cancer patients. So, let’s dive into the topic.
Bone cancer symptoms:
1. Pathologic fractures
Pathologic fractures occur when a bone becomes weakened and breaks due to underlying bone disease or cancer. These fractures can happen when the bone is subjected to a force that would not typically cause a fracture in healthy bone. It is most commonly seen in patients with primary and metastatic bone tumors or patients with underlying bone diseases such as Paget’s disease, osteonecrosis, and osteoporosis.
The bone can be weakened by the presence of cancer cells, which use the resources in the bone to keep growing, which can cause the bone to become weakened and more prone to fracturing. Metastatic bone tumors can also cause the bone to become weak and brittle, leading to a fracture. Pathologic fractures can cause significant pain and disability and may require surgery to repair the fracture.