Localized cancer occurs only in the area of bone that was initially affected. A higher grade means that the cancer has spread more rapidly and has more atypical cells. Metastatic cancer has spread to other areas of the body after treatment has been completed. The cancer has metastasized to another bone, so a high grade may not necessarily mean that it has spread beyond the area of the bone affected.
A bone tumor weakens the bones around it, which may lead to fracture. A sudden, severe pain in a limb may be indicative of a fracture. While most patients are not diagnosed with bone cancer until it has advanced, a person who experiences persistent pain should see a doctor as soon as possible. Some of the other symptoms of bone cancer include unexplained fever, loss of weight, and tiredness. If you notice any of these symptoms, be sure to consult a medical professional as soon as possible.
Some cancers can spread to bones, such as lymphoma and melanoma. Bone metastases are more common than primary bone cancer. However, any cancer that has spread to the bones can also cause bone cancer. It can also develop from abnormal changes in bone or cartilage cells. Bone cancer is a serious condition, and if not treated promptly, it can spread to other parts of the body. In general, bone cancer can affect any bone in the body, although it is most common in older adults and children.
A bone tumor may be small or large in size, but x-rays will show whether it is cancerous or not. If the x-rays reveal an abnormal area, your doctor may recommend further tests. A bone scan is another diagnostic test to rule out cancer in the bone. It involves injecting radioactive material into a blood vessel to create an image of the bone in question. Then, the radioactive material will be detected by a scanning machine.
Blood tests are also common ways to determine whether you have bone cancer. Blood tests can measure levels of two enzymes, alkaline phosphatase and creatinine. People with cancer of the bone will have elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase and alanine aminotransferase, which can help predict the prognosis. A complete blood count can determine the quality of white and red blood cells and tell the doctor the general health of the patient.
Many people who are diagnosed with cancer of the bone can benefit from supportive care. These programs aim to remove emotional and practical barriers that patients face in their battle against bone cancer. In addition to these, they help patients to deal with the physical challenges associated with cancer. For those with secondary bone cancer, support from friends and family can help ease anxiety and provide emotional and spiritual support. For people who do not have family or friends nearby, the Macmillan Support Line number can help.
