Detecting bone cancer: Warning signs and risks for youth
Bone cancer is a disease that can be challenging to diagnose because its symptoms are often mistaken for other conditions. Unfortunately, this results in cases where the disease is discovered at a late stage, reducing the chances of effective treatment. So, how can we identify the perilous enemy that is bone cancer?
25 October 2024 17:08
Bone cancer is a malignant tumour most frequently diagnosed in children and young adults. The most common type of this disease is osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer. The most typical location for its development is around the knee, although this is not always true. Cancer can also manifest in other areas of the lower limbs.
Symptoms that should raise concern include not only pain but also redness and swelling of the limb. These are particularly worrying when changes occur without any apparent reason.
Although the cause of osteosarcoma is not entirely understood, certain factors, such as rapid bone growth and exposure to ionising radiation, may increase the risk of its development.
This is a genetically influenced cancer
This is not the sole cause of the disease’s occurrence. Genetic factors can also play a significant role. Interestingly, this cancer appears more frequently in individuals of Hispanic and African American descent, similar to Ewing's sarcoma – the second most common bone cancer. It is primarily diagnosed in patients aged 10 to 15 years and in young adults over 20. As a result, prompt preventative measures should be implemented.
In addition to heredity, other factors that can contribute to this cancer include viruses, thermal injuries, certain chemicals, and mechanical injuries. Such instances should be thoroughly evaluated.
Symptoms of cancer can be very varied
One of the early signs of bone cancer is pain in the area affected by the tumour. It is an intense and dull pain that painkillers cannot relieve. Importantly, it is most often felt at night and wakes you from sleep. This is a crucial symptom that distinguishes it from growing pains, common in adolescents during puberty. These tend to occur during physical activity or when performing daily tasks.
In addition to pain, swelling, and redness at the site of the tumour, bone fractures occurring even with minor injuries should also raise concern as they may indicate significant cancer progression.
Other symptoms include fatigue and sudden weight loss. Bone cancer can spread rapidly, so early diagnosis is vital for its treatment, which can take various forms.
Treatments for bone cancer include chemotherapy and radiation therapy using X-ray radiation. Surgical intervention to remove cancerous areas is also an option when feasible.
