Bone Cancer Symptoms and Signs

Acute and lasting pain in the bones is the most common sign that a person might have bone cancer. Patients describe this type of pain as itching or burning, as if the pain is coming from within the bone. It is typically persistent rather than brief, lasting for an extended period of time. Often, the source of such pain is a specific bone. Tumors around the bone area can further aggravate the pain. Treatments such as chemotherapy may also contribute to these symptoms.

Swelling in particular areas. Sometimes, only the regions close to the affected bones may swell. This swelling, known as localized swelling, can be caused by a tumor or a mass near the bone. Such a clear sign often indicates that bone cancer has progressed significantly. Once it reaches an advanced level, it becomes challenging to treat. Blood flow continuously nourishes the tumor, allowing cancer to spread further.

Irritation and inflammation. Irritation and inflammation are common symptoms when a bone develops a tumor in nearby areas. This is usually not a primary symptom of bone cancer but often develops as a result of a growing tumor. The level of inflammation varies depending on the specific case. Swelling generally occurs in areas where tissues and nerves are densely packed. You can often notice redness of the skin around the affected bone.

Bone fractures and injuries. Bones affected by cancer become more fragile, making them prone to fractures. While breaking a bone like a leg or arm is typically difficult, those with bone cancer may experience fractures more easily, as cancer weakens the bone structure. Over time, bones can become extremely fragile and more susceptible to injury.

Rapid weight loss. Unlike conditions such as anorexia, weight loss due to bone cancer is unintentional. Patients may experience a noticeable decrease in weight as the disease progresses, which is not a result of changes in diet or exercise. It is often an alarming sign when weight is lost rapidly without an obvious cause, and patients may lose 10 pounds or more in a short time.

Limited joint movement. Bone cancer may not only affect bones but also spread to the joints, limiting movement. As the cancer advances, tumors can grow large and become painful, making joint movement difficult. The skin over affected joints may appear red, and mobility issues can severely impact daily activities.

Fatigue and drowsiness. Persistent fatigue is a common symptom of many medical conditions, including bone cancer. Even after sufficient sleep, patients often feel drowsy and experience both physical and mental fatigue. This type of tiredness can lead to difficulties in concentrating, forgetfulness, and impaired communication.

Frequent infections. Bone cancer weakens the immune system, making patients more susceptible to infections. As the cancer progresses, the production of white blood cells decreases, resulting in diminished immunity. Patients may frequently experience flu, colds, and fevers due to their weakened immune systems.

Loss of appetite. Patients with bone cancer often lose interest in eating, leading to a significant decrease in caloric intake. The body diverts its energy to fighting the cancer, causing tiredness and reduced activity levels. A persistent lack of appetite may be a sign of disease progression.

Unexplained bleeding and bruising. When bone cancer spreads to the bone marrow, it affects platelet production, leading to impaired blood clotting. This can result in unexplained bruising and frequent bleeding, such as nosebleeds. Bleeding without apparent injury is a common indicator of an issue with blood cell production.