Tumors that develop in the bone can vary between benign and malignant. The latter are considered cancerous. The most common bone cancer is called osteosarcoma. This is most common after chondrosarcoma affecting cartilage cells and Ewing’s sarcoma. The latter is a rare tumor that affects children and adolescents.
Furthermore, secondary bone tumors may also develop. However, they affect people that have been affected by cancer. These tumors are usually derived from a renal cell carcinoma, prostate or thyroid cancers.
Here are some symptoms that will help you detect bone cancer:
The first bone cancer symptoms
Pain
This disease can start with pain that persists and which is struggling to disappear. This pain can get worse if you make a physical effort or it intensifies at night. If you notice this kind of pain, consult a specialist immediately.
Swelling
If you notice that a certain part of your body is swollen, it means that the tumor is about to spread. However, it is difficult to feel a bump, if the tumor has spread into the water. You can still feel a palpable mass on a bone and not really feel pain.
Difficulty moving
If the tumor affects a joint, it will become difficult to make certain movements. If it affects a joint of the leg, the person may have trouble getting around. In addition, if the cancer cells are spread at the spine, they can affect a nerve and result in numbness and chills in the limbs.
Broken bone
If the tumor is malignant, it can weaken the bone and cause fracture due to minor falls which are normally harmless. This is known as a pathological fracture and it is a lesion which affects the bone that already has a bone or cartilage deficiency.
Rare symptoms or signs
In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, here are some rare symptoms that can still be linked to bone cancer:
- Sudden weight loss
- Perspiration
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Fever
If you notice appearance of any of these symptoms, it is advisable to see a specialist as soon as possible.
