What are symptoms of bone cancer?

Symptoms of bone cancer tend to develop slowly. They depend on the type, location, and size of the tumor.

Pain is the most frequent symptom of bone cancer. Sometimes a firm, slightly tender lump on the bone can be felt through the skin. In some cases, bone cancer interferes with normal movements. Bone cancer can also cause bones to break.

These symptoms are not sure signs of cancer. They may also be caused by other, less serious problems. Individuals who are experiencing symptoms should consult a doctor.

How is bone cancer diagnosed?

To diagnose bone cancer, the doctor asks about the patient's personal and family medical history and does a complete physical exam. In addition to checking the general signs of health, the doctor usually orders blood tests and x-rays. X-rays can show the location, size, and shape of a bone tumor. On x-rays, benign tumors usually look round and smooth, with distinct edges. Bone cancers generally have odd shapes and irregular edges.

If x-rays show that the tumor is possible cancer, some of the following special tests may be done. These tests can also show whether the cancer has begun to spread.

Bone scans outline the size, shape, and location of abnormal areas in the bone. A small amount of radioactive material is injected into the bloodstream. This material collects in the bones and is detected by a special instrument called a scanner.

CT or CAT scan <http://www.medicinenet.com/script_/main/art.asp?articlekey=315> is an x-ray procedure that gives detailed pictures of cross-sections of the body. The pictures are created by a computer.

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging also creates detailed pictures of cross-sections of the body. MRI uses a very strong magnet linked to a computer.

Angiograms are special x-rays of the blood vessels. A dye that shows up on x-rays is injected into the bloodstream so that the vessels can be seen in detail. This test is also done to help plan surgery.

A biopsy is the only sure way to tell whether cancer is present. Biopsies are best done at a hospital where doctors are experienced in the diagnosis of bone cancers. The doctor removes a sample of tissue from the bone tumor. A pathologist looks at the tissue under a microscope. If cancer is found, the pathologist can tell the type of sarcoma and whether it is likely to grow slowly or quickly.

If a diagnosis of bone cancer is made, it is important for the doctor to know exactly where the cancer is located and whether it has spread from its original location. This information is very important for planning treatment. The results of exams, tests, x-rays, scans, and the biopsy are all used in staging the cancer. The stage indicates whether the disease has spread and how much tissue is affected.