Bone cancer warning: Early signs often mistaken for other issues
Bone cancer is a disease that can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are often mistaken for those of other conditions. Unfortunately, this can lead to late detection, reducing the chances of effective treatment. So, how can we recognize this dangerous enemy known as bone cancer?
8:01 PM EDT, October 25, 2024
Bone cancer is a malignant tumor most commonly diagnosed in children and young adults. The most common type of this disease is osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. It typically develops around the knee, although this is not always the case. The cancer can also appear in other areas of the lower limbs.
Symptoms that should raise concern include pain, redness, and swelling of the limb. These symptoms are especially worrying when they occur without a clear cause.
Although the cause of osteosarcoma is not completely understood, factors such as rapid bone growth and exposure to ionizing radiation may increase the risk.
This is a genetically conditioned cancer
Genetic factors can also significantly contribute to the occurrence of this cancer. Interestingly, this type of cancer appears more frequently in people of Hispanic and African American descent, similar to Ewing's sarcoma—the second most common bone cancer. It is mainly diagnosed in patients aged 10 to 15 years and in young adults over 20. Therefore, appropriate prevention should be implemented as early as possible.
In addition to heredity, other factors that might contribute to this cancer include viruses, thermal injuries, certain chemicals, and mechanical injuries. Such occurrences should be thoroughly investigated.
Symptoms of cancer can be very diverse
One of the early symptoms of bone cancer is pain in the area affected by the tumor. It is an intense, dull pain that painkillers do not relieve. Importantly, it most often occurs at night and can wake you. This symptom is crucial for distinguishing it from growing pains during puberty and typically occur with physical activity or daily tasks.
In addition to pain, swelling, and redness at the site of the tumor, bone fractures occurring even with minor injuries should be cause for concern, as they may indicate significant cancer progression.
Other symptoms include fatigue and sudden weight loss. Bone cancer can spread quickly, making early diagnosis crucial for effective treatment, which can take various forms.
Treatment options for bone cancer include chemotherapy and radiation therapy using X-rays. Surgical intervention to remove cancerous growths is also considered when possible.
