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7 warning signs of bone cancer to be aware of

7 warning signs of bone cancer to be aware of

Bone cancer is a rare but serious condition that primarily affects an individual’s pelvis and long bones in the arms or legs. Timely detection and treatment are crucial to manage the symptoms effectively. Here are some of the highly common warning signs associated with bone cancer as well as some of its causes and treatment options. This can help individuals recognize symptoms and take proactive measures in addressing this condition.

What is bone cancer?
Bone cancer, or bone sarcoma, is an uncommon type of cancer that makes up less than one percent of all cancer cases. It occurs once malignant cells start to grow in the bones and form a tumor. Bone cancer can be of various forms.

Osteosarcoma, which is highly prevalent in children and young adults. Here, the cancerous cells grow or produce excess bone cells.

Chondrosarcoma is another type of cancer where the cancerous cells begin to produce cartilage. It usually affects middle-aged and older adults.

Ewing sarcoma tumors primarily affect the pelvis, legs and arms of children and young adults.

Warning signs of bone cancer

Pain
In the initial stage, one may experience pain in the area where the cancer is developing. This is the most common sign and may also be associated with swelling in the area. Usually, in bone cancer, the pain may persist for a long time, or get worse with any physical activity. It may not show signs of improvement despite some popular home remedies. In children, bone sarcomas often show up near the knees. At times, parents may mistake the pain for a typical ache associated during a child’s growth stage, so the diagnosis can take longer.

Limited range of motion
In cases where a bone with a tumor breaks or fractures, particularly in the leg, it can result in a noticeable limp. Limping is typically observed in later stages of bone sarcoma and can be a serious symptom of the disease.

Weakened bones
Bone cancer weakens the affected bone, making it more susceptible to fractures. Fractures may occur even with minimal trauma or stress, and sometimes, a fracture is the first indication of an underlying bone tumor.

Joint swelling, lumps, and stiffness
When a tumor forms near or within a joint, it can cause swelling and stiffness. This leads to tenderness and limited range of motion in the affected joint. Individuals may experience discomfort and pain while attempting to move the joint, indicating a potential presence of bone sarcoma.

General malaise or fatigue
One may also experience a vague feeling of discomfort or unease without any specific symptoms or identifiable cause. It is often described as a sense of overall fatigue, weakness, or a lack of well-being. Individuals suffering from this symptom may find it difficult to identify the exact cause of their discomfort.

Unexplained loss of body mass
Cancer cells take up a significant amount of energy and nutrients from the body, which can affect one’s body mass without any changes in one’s appetite. This concerning sign may indicate any other underlying health issue, but if it is accompanied by above-mentioned symptoms, one should get an accurate diagnosis.

Anemia
Bone cancer is also characterized by a reduced number of red blood cells. This, in turn, can lead to one feeling anemic.

Further, as cancer progresses, it can make the affected bone break down, which releases calcium into the bloodstream. Over time, the calcium buildup in the bloodstream affects various processes, including digestion, causing issues like constipation, bloating, vomiting, and nausea.

Causes of bone cancer
Although the exact causes of bone cancer are still not entirely known, it is thought that they are inherited. However, researchers have linked an increased chance of acquiring the condition to a few factors. Rare inherited genetic diseases like Li-Fraumeni syndrome are among these contributing causes. A higher chance of getting bone cancer later in life has also been associated with Paget’s disease of the bone, which is more frequently diagnosed in older persons.

Additionally, radiation exposure during cancer treatment, like radiation therapy, may increase the chance of developing bone cancer in the future.

Diagnosis and treatment options
Imaging tests are important in identifying the location, size, and potential spread of bone tumors. The specific tests, such as bone scan, CT scan, MRI, PET scan, and X-ray, are chosen based on individual signs and symptoms, and they help in getting an accurate diagnosis and in treatment planning.

If bone cancer is detected, a healthcare professional will consider the tumor size, its growth, and whether other areas are affected to suggest a treatment plan. This plan can include surgeries to remove the tumor, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy to kill the cancer cells using high energy beams.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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8 warning signs of low bone density

Sometimes the creation of new bone cannot keep up with the loss of old material, known as osteoporosis. The condition could result in symptoms that may affect one's ability to carry out daily tasks. A healthcare expert may recommend prescriptions and lifestyle changes to manage bone complications. But these treatment options may work better if the condition is diagnosed early. So here are eight signs of low bone mineral density that must be addressed immediately. Receding gums The gums may recede due to multiple factors, including aggressive brushing, genetics, and other unhealthy habits. However, this sign could also indicate a reduction in bone density. The oral complication is usually subtle and might require an expert's opinion. Furthermore, the teeth and jaw bones are connected. So when the latter starts to lose bone mineral density, it could result in receding gums, which may also affect the health of teeth. Weakened grip strength The loss of grip strength could be an indicator of low bone mineral density triggered by osteoporosis. Some common signs that one should look for include the reduced ability to open doors easily, push objects, or grab onto structures properly. These are signs that the individual may have lost muscle strength. An individual may assess if they have lost grip strength by visiting a healthcare expert's place of practice or checking it at home with the help of a hand dynamometer. Brittle, weak fingernails Someone may develop weak or brittle fingernails due to engagement in activities like swimming or gardening. But if individuals notice that their fingernails are unusually brittle or weak, they must consult a healthcare provider immediately. The sign may indicate reduced bone mineral density due to the lack or low amounts of calcium, an essential bone-building nutrient. Loss of height The loss of height is related to aging changes in the bones, joints, and muscles. Usually, a person may lose a centimeter of height every ten years once they pass age 40. The loss is much more rapid after one crosses age 70. But if an individual notices a reduction in height before turning 40, it could indicate low bone mineral density caused by osteoporosis. Such symptoms require the opinion of an expert who will offer treatment options to slow down the progression of the disease. Rapid heart rate A resting heart rate is the number of times the heart beats per minute when the body is not engaged in the activity. The average resting heart rate for most individuals is between 60 to 100 beats per minute. However, anything above 80 beats per minute could be a warning sign of low bone mineral density. Such increased heart rate is associated with an increased risk of pelvis, hip, and spine fractures, especially in older women. Bones that easily fracture Bone fractures are one of the earliest signs of low bone mineral density. The lack of strength in the bones could lead to more severe injuries, even if an individual has a mild fall or faces other bone trauma. One may also fracture their bones by applying excessive pressure on their feet or sneezing. Such complications are clear indicators of osteoporosis that must be diagnosed and treated by a healthcare expert. Pain in the back or neck An individual may develop pain in their neck or back due to a poor sleeping posture or because they pull a muscle. However, pain radiating from these parts of the body without any visible cause might indicate poor bone density. That lack of bone-building material may result in compression fractures of the spine. The pain may occur because the collapsed vertebrae might pinch the nerves in the spinal region. Some people may experience mild pain, while others may be susceptible to an unbearable sensation in this region. In either case, it is imperial to get the opinion of a healthcare professional. The fractures of the spine may also cause a slight curve of the upper back (kyphosis), which may also trigger pain in the neck and back. The unusual posture may also apply additional pressure on the airway and limit lung expansion, which may result in breathing difficulties. A decline in physical fitness An individual who is healthy but starts to notice an unusual decline in their physical fitness might be suffering from low bone mineral density. They should look for signs such as poor balance, decreased muscle strength, and reduced aerobic abilities. Therefore, if an individual finds it unusually difficult to move around, dance, or indulge in daily activities, they should visit an expert for an opinion.

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