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The early symptoms of various types of cancer are discussed fairly often. Bone cancer, however, is often neglected. Unfortunately there is no specific test that could reveal the risk of developing this type of cancer, and therefore it is very important to know its symptoms in the early stage and not take them lightly. Pay increased attention to your bones.
Pain and frequent fractures
In the area where the cancer begins to grow, pain occurs. In most cases it appears intermittently and then subsides. It usually worsens during the night, when the bones are at rest. If you frequently experience such pain in a particular spot, visit a doctor and try to determine the cause. Another sign of bone cancer is the development of swelling at the site of the pain that is not caused by an accident or injury.
When a tumor develops in the bone, it significantly weakens it. Therefore frequent fractures occur, accompanied by sudden and very severe pain. Other symptoms tend to be similar to those of other types of cancer. These include above all weight loss, fatigue, fever, and the like. Causes of bone cancer may include a congenital predisposition, certain chemicals affecting the body, or certain viruses (for example HPV).
How is cancer diagnosed?
The best form of prevention is regular intake of calcium, which supports bone health. In addition, pay attention to changed symptoms and do not ignore abnormal pain in any part of the body. Attend medical check-ups regularly. However, since it is not yet precisely known what causes bone cancer, an effective method of prevention cannot be determined.
Bone tumors are most often diagnosed by an X-ray of the affected area. Blood samples are also taken from patients suspected of this type of cancer to determine levels of substances that increase in tumor disease. The most certain method of diagnosis is a biopsy, i.e., removal of a bone sample. Treatment most often combines surgery to remove the tumor from the bone, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
