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.
2. Bone pain
Pain in bone cancer happens mainly with activity and results in a limp. It is caused by the abnormal growth of cells in the bones, and it is particularly common and found in earlier stages when the tumor affects the long bones of the arms and legs, which are more commonly subject to weight bearing.
In some cases, a limp may develop due to the weakened bone structure and the pain from activity. Since pain develops progressively, some patients get used to the symptoms, depending on their age and perceived health. However, they sooner or later feel something wrong, or the pain is too severe to be explained by the usual signs of aging.
3. Swelling and liquid retention
Swelling and liquid retention are often symptoms of bone cancer, particularly in the lower extremities. This can occur when the cancer cells spread to the bones of the lower body, such as the pelvis, legs, and feet. The cancer cells interfere with the normal functioning of the bones and the nearby blood vessels, which leads to excess fluid accumulating in the area, resulting in swelling.
In some cases, the cancer cells can also invade the lining of the blood vessels and lymph nodes, further contributing to the swelling. The swelling can be accompanied by pain and tenderness in more severe cases.
Medications such as diuretics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroids can reduce swelling and improve the patient’s quality of life. Physical therapy can also help reduce swelling and improve the patient’s mobility.
4. Palpable mass
Not always will you find a palpable mass in bone cancer. The tumor should be located in a bone very close to the skin, surrounded by little fatty tissue to become palpable, such as the shinbone.
A palpable mass, when present, is a suggestive sign of bone cancer, especially when it is tender and warm to the touch. This is because bone cancer happens when the cells of the bone tissue grow and divide uncontrollably. As the cancer cells multiply, they form a mass or tumor which is palpable in specific areas of the body or when patients are very lean.
However, even in patients with this type of mass, diagnosis of bone cancer relies heavily on the presence of imaging tests. Thus, even if you have something that shouldn’t be there, it is essential to talk to your doctor about it.
5. Increased vascularity
Increased vascularity over the bone tumor with pulsations indicates that the tumor is growing rapidly and is suggestive of bone cancer, especially when accompanied by other symptoms in this list.
This happens because the tumor is growing in such a way that it requires an increased supply of blood to sustain its growth. This increase in blood supply is facilitated by the formation of additional blood vessels, which provide the tumor with the necessary nutrients. As the tumor grows, it begins to pulsate due to increased blood flow.
The pulsation indicates that the tumor is active and can be felt if the cancer is close to the skin surface. Sometimes, it can also be heard as a faint thumping sound. Knowing the presence of increased vascularity over the bone tumor with pulsations is important in diagnosing and treating bone cancer in its early stages.
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.
7. Respiratory symptoms
Cancer cells can enter the lung tissue, causing inflammation and damage when the tumor spreads to distant tissues. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, coughing blood, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms may include recurrent bronchitis, pneumonia, fatigue, and weight loss.
The severity of the respiratory symptoms can vary depending on the size, location, and type of the tumor. It is important to note that some bone cancers can spread to the lungs without noticeable symptoms. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of the other signs and symptoms of bone cancer and to seek medical treatment if any of them become apparent.
8. Fever and night sweats
Fever and night sweats are rare symptoms associated with bone cancer and usually happen when tumor cells build up in the bone tissue and start to call up inflammatory cytokines. This build-up of tumor cells releases enzymes and proteins that trigger an immune response and produce certain hormones that can raise the body’s temperature. This is why people with bone cancer often experience fever and night sweats.
In some cases, the fever may be accompanied by chills and can be accompanied by other symptoms like nausea and vomiting. The intensity and frequency of the fever and night sweats vary depending on the size and location of the affected bone. In some cases, the fever and night sweats may be mild and go away with treatment.
9. Lymphadenopathy
Lymphadenopathy, or swollen lymph nodes, is an unusual condition that can occur in patients diagnosed with bone cancer. It is often caused by a combination of factors, such as the spread of cancer cells from the primary tumor to the lymph nodes and the body’s inflammatory response to cancer. However, in some cases, the lymph nodes may become swollen due to an infection unrelated to cancer.
The swelling of the lymph nodes can cause pain, tenderness, and a feeling of fullness in the neck, armpit, or groin. It may also cause a decrease in the lymph node’s size and changes in its shape, texture, and consistency. The lymph nodes may also become hardened, causing further pain and discomfort.
10. Fatigue and weight loss
Depending on the stage of bone cancer, it can also cause symptoms common to all types of cancer, such as fatigue and weight loss. This can happen as a part of the body’s response to the tumor or metastases.
As the tumor grows or metastasizes, it can cause damage to the surrounding tissues, affecting the body’s ability to process nutrients and leading to weight loss and fatigue. Additionally, the tumor can cause inflammation and pain in the affected area, leading to fatigue, muscle weakness, and a sensation of feeling unwell.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can also contribute to weight loss and fatigue, as they affect the body’s ability to absorb nutrients from the food we eat. Other factors, such as an increased metabolic rate due to hormones secreted by the tumor, can also lead to weight loss and fatigue. Finally, psychological factors, such as depression and anxiety, can also contribute to these symptoms.