The tricky aspect of this diagnosis is that the main symptom is «often mistaken» for other conditions.
Pain can be a symptom of various types of cancer, affecting various parts of the body depending on the type of cancer you have.
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Nevertheless, pain is a very common symptom of bone cancer.
Unexplained pain may be one of the «early» symptoms of the condition.
What’s worse, you may not link this to bone cancer, since the pain is often associated with other health problems.
Initially, it is often mistaken for symptoms of arthritis or a sprain or strain.
The pain normally becomes more intense and persistent as the cancer progresses.
How often does bone cancer pain occur?
Unfortunately, the pain associated with bone cancer can be «nagging,» which can lead to discomfort.
Abdeh said: «Normally the pain will start as bone tenderness which can be exacerbated by strenuous activity.»
Strenuous activity describes the likes of exercise or heavy lifting.
He continued: “If the affected bone is close to a joint, the swelling can make it difficult for you to walk, possibly leading to a limp.
«However, as the cancer progresses, this pain can become chronic and persist even during periods of rest.»
Bone cancer can even cause your bone to weaken to «the point where it breaks.» This can occur after an injury that would not «normally» cause a rupture.
What parts of your body can signal this symptom?
Bone cancer is most common in the long bones of the legs or upper arms, although it can occur anywhere in the body.
What are other symptoms of bone cancer?
In addition to unexplained bone pain, other warning signs include:
- Lump on or around the bone
- redness and swelling
- Fever
- Perspiration
- Losing weight for no apparent reason.
While sweating is not a common sign of cancer, certain types of cancer, including bone cancer, do present with it. The pharmacist explains that it is “more common” for it to occur at night.
When to visit a doctor
If you have been experiencing bone or joint pain for no apparent reason for more than a few weeks, you should make an appointment to see your doctor.
Like any cancer symptom, it’s important to get your symptoms checked.
From surgery to chemotherapy, there are different treatments available to combat this condition.
However, his treatment will depend on your case and individual factors, such as how far the cancer has spread, the NHS explained.