Symptoms of bone cancer
This page has information about the symptoms of bone cancer.
Symptoms of bone cancer
The exact symptoms of bone cancer will vary, depending on the size of the cancer and where it is in the body. Common symptoms include
- Pain
- Swelling
- Problems with movement
The area around the bone tumour may be painful or tender. The pain is often worse at night. Swelling may not show up until the bone tumour is quite large. You cannot always feel, or see a lump. If the cancer is near a joint, the lump can get in the way and make it more difficult for you to move.
Other less common symptoms that you may have with bone cancer include tiredness, fever or sweats, and weight loss.
Remember – all these symptoms can be caused by conditions other than cancer. This is a rare disease, and it is much more likely that some other problem is causing your symptoms. But you must have your symptoms checked by your doctor. If it is a cancer, the sooner it is diagnosed the better. If it isn’t, there may well be other treatment that will relieve or cure your symptoms.
You can view and print the quick guides for all the pages in the About bone cancer section.
The exact symptoms of bone cancer will vary, depending on the size of the cancer and where it is in the body. Common symptoms include
- Pain
- Swelling
- Problems with movement
The area around the bone tumour may be painful or tender. The pain is often worse at night. There is more information about cancer and pain control in the section on coping physically with cancer.
Swelling may not show up until the bone tumour is quite large. You cannot always feel, or see a lump. This depends on where the cancer is.
If the cancer is near a joint, the lump can get in the way and make it more difficult for you to move. You may develop a limp if the cancer is in a bone in your leg.
Other less common symptoms that you may have with bone cancer include
- Tiredness
- Fever or sweats
- Weight loss
These are all general symptoms that can occur with a number of conditions, including cancer.
Remember - all these symptoms can be caused by conditions other than cancer. Primary bone cancer is very rare, and it is much more likely that some other problem is causing your symptoms. But you must have your symptoms checked by your doctor. If it is a cancer, the sooner it is diagnosed the better. If it isn’t, there may well be other treatment that will relieve or cure your symptoms.
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