6. Decreased range of motion
During the physical examination, decreased range of motion is a common sign in bone cancer patients. The severity and extent depend on the cancer stage and how long it has spread.
It happens because the cancerous cells in the bones and tissues grow a mass that can act like a “block” that prevents movement. Even if the mass is not mechanically blocking movement, it is also common that cancer triggers inflammation, which acts like rheumatoid arthritis in the joints and limits movements. This can cause the patient to experience pain and stiffness when moving the affected joint. In some cases, the decreased range of motion can be so severe that the patient cannot move the affected joint at all.