Bone cancer dangers: Recognising the hidden symptoms early

Bone cancer is a treacherous malignant disease with symptoms that are often incorrectly interpreted as something else. This, unfortunately, leads to late diagnosis when treatment options are significantly limited. How can we recognise this dangerous adversary?

Malignant bone cancer is a disease that most commonly affects children and young adults. There are no specific time frames where we observe a rise in its occurrence.

The most common type of this cancer is osteosarcoma, also known as osteogenic sarcoma. This cancer typically develops near the knee but may also appear in other body parts. Importantly, its symptoms are often not very distinctive.

Osteosarcoma is also diagnosed in the upper arm bone, and is often found in the hip bone. It is also identified in the jawbone in a small percentage of cases.

Pain, redness, and swelling in the affected area should raise concern and prompt a visit to the doctor.

Although the cause of osteosarcoma is unknown, rapid bone growth and exposure to ionising radiation can increase the risk of developing this disease. In some cases, the occurrence of this cancer is due to Paget's disease.

Genetic factors also play an essential role. Interestingly, osteosarcoma is more common among people of Latino and African American descent. This is not the only cancer with similar predispositions. Similar correlations have been observed in the case of the second most common bone cancer, Ewing's sarcoma.

Ewing's sarcoma is mainly diagnosed in patients aged 10 to 15 years as well as in people over 20 years old – young adults. Close observation of young individuals is, therefore, very important.

The risk factors of this cancer, in addition to the occurrence of Ewing's sarcomas in the family, include viruses, thermal injuries, certain chemicals, and mechanical injuries. The spectrum of potential causes is, therefore, very broad.

One of the first symptoms of bone cancer is increasing pain in the affected area. This pain is exceptionally intense and dull and does not subside with the use of painkillers. It often also occurs during physical activity.

This pain often intensifies at night, waking patients from sleep, which is diagnostically significant as it differentiates it from growing joint pains in teenagers. Over time, the pain is also noted at rest.

In addition to pain, swelling, and redness at the cancer site, alarming signs may also include bone fractures, even with minor injuries. This is one of the most dangerous and apparent symptoms of cancer.

Additional symptoms of bone cancer include fatigue and sudden weight loss. Osteosarcoma is an aggressive cancer that quickly metastasises, which is why early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. With early recognition, the chance of a cure is very high.