Weak bones, fatigue, unexplained weight loss are red flags for bone cancer

Cancerous cells can degrade good bone tissue, making bones fragile and more likely to break even from small traumas. (Image: Canva)

Uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells within a bone can led to the formation of a tumour, which is the rare but deadly disorder known as bone cancer. Although this kind of cancer can begin in any bone in the body, it typically affects the long bones in the arms and legs. Primary bone cancer begins in the bones itself, whereas secondary bone cancer begins elsewhere in the body and travels to the bones. Recognising the early signs of bone cancer and seeking suitable therapy can be facilitated by knowledge about the disease's development, risk factors, and effects on the body.

How bone cancer develops

According to Dr Raman Narang, senior consultant-medical oncologist, Andromeda Cancer hospital, Sonipat, when healthy cells in the bone change and start to grow out of control, bone cancer can occur. These malignant cells have the potential to develop into a benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) mass or tumour. Malignant tumours possess the capacity to infiltrate adjacent tissues and disperse to different regions of the body.

Impact of bone cancer on the body

Bone cancer can have several effects on the body, depending on the cancer’s type, location, and stage, says Dr Narang.

Bone weakening and fractures: Cancerous cells can degrade good bone tissue, making bones fragile and more likely to break even from small traumas.

Trauma: As tumours enlarge, they may exert pressure on nearby tissues and nerves, resulting in excruciating pain.

Impaired mobility: Walking or moving about might be made more difficult by tumors in weight-bearing bones, such as the legs.

Hypercalcemia: When bone deteriorates, calcium is released into the blood, causing symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.

Metastasis: Cancer cells that originated in the lungs, breasts, or prostate can now travel to the bones, resulting in secondary bone cancer. Widespread bone problems and other systemic symptoms may result from this.

Fatigue: As a result of the cancer's reaction to the body.

Weight loss: It's possible to lose weight unintentionally.

Effective treatment, which may involve surgery to remove tumours, chemotherapy to target cancer cells, and radiotherapy to shrink tumours and relieve symptoms, depends on early discovery and proper diagnosis.

Dr Narang says that patients with bone cancer have better prognoses due to developments in medical research and available treatments. Developing new treatments and refining those that already exist requires ongoing clinical trials and research. Patients can improve their quality of life and effectively manage their conditions by participating in their treatment plans and remaining informed. Although bone cancer is a complicated illness, people can make great progress toward recovery with the right support and treatment.