Bone Cancer Symptoms

There are several bone cancer symptoms. The cancerous growth in the bone leads to bone cancer.

There are two types of bone cancer the primary bone cancer is that which originates in the bone itself and the secondary or metastatic bone cancer is that which metastasizes from the other region or parts of the body to the bone such as the breasts, lungs, and prostate.

The primary bone cancer is less common in adults and occurs more often in children. The most common forms of Primary bone cancer are Osteosarcoma, which occurs primarily in growing bone tissue and Chondrosarcoma, which occurs in cartilage.

Bone Tumors in majority is classified into Primary tumors and Secondary tumors. Primary bone tumors are rare as they account less than 1% of all malignant tumors and are most common in young men. The most common types of primary bone tumors are:

  • Osteosarcoma
  • Chondrosarcoma
  • Ewing’s sarcoma
  • Multiple Myeloma
  • Osteoclastoma
  • Fibrosarcoma

Secondary or Metastatic tumors more frequently involve the axial skeleton than the appendicular skeleton. Secondary or Metastatic tumors can be further subdivided into two types of tumors depending on their origin.

First type being tumors which result from contiguous spread of adjacent soft tissue neoplasm’s and second type being tumors representing malignant transformation of the pre-existing benign lesions.

Some of the Bone Cancer Symptoms or Sign of Bone Cancer

Bone cancer symptoms tend to develop slowly. They depend on the type, location, and size of the tumor.

  • Pain is the most frequent symptom reported by the patients.
  • Slightly tender lump on the bone can be felt through the skin which may sometimes be firm.
  • In some cases, bone cancer interferes with normal movements.
  • Breakage of bones may also be caused at times.

Other possible signs and symptoms of bone cancer include:

  • Weakening of bones which may sometimes lead to fractures
  • Swelling of joints and tenderness for tumors in or near joints
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Anemia

Secondary Bone Cancer Symptoms

Secondary bone cancer symptoms are as follows and also may be sometimes very much similar to the primary bone cancer symptoms:

  • Chronic pain in the afflicted area
  • Weakened bones, often leading to pathological fractures
  • Bone fractures that occur as a result of the bone’s fragility, not from an external force
  • Pressure on the spinal cord that can cause weakness or even paralysis
  • Nausea, constipation, drowsiness, and confusion often caused by a raised level of calcium in the blood .This condition is referred to as hypercalcemia.
  • Unexplained fatigue
  • Anemia and increased susceptibility to infection as cancer cells invade further into the bone and hamper the bone marrow’s blood cell manufacturing capabilities. Thus decreasing the overall body resistance.

However it should be noted that these symptoms are not sure signs of cancer. They may also be caused by other, less serious problems. Individuals who are experiencing any such kind of symptoms should consult a doctor. Although bone cancer can arise in any of the body’s 206 bones, it most frequently occurs in the long bones of the arms and legs.