Bone cancer: Fatigue and other less-known symptoms that are often ignored

Bone cancer is a very rare form of cancer, making up less than 1% of all cancers. In the UK, around 550 cases of bone cancer are recorded each year, NHS statistics show. This type of cancer most commonly affects the pelvis or the long bones in the arms and legs, although it can begin in any bone in the body. Bone pain, swelling and tenderness near the affected area are some of the common symptoms. Other less known signs can lead to a delay in diagnosis and treatment.

Weight loss

Unexplained weight loss can be a consequence of many health conditions including bone cancer. When your bones are not enjoying optimum health, it can bring on sudden weight loss. So when you are shedding weight unintentionally, you should consider seeing a doctor, according to TheHealthSite.com.

Fatigue and tiredness

Bone cancer, like many other types of cancer, can sometimes cause fatigue, according to cancer.org. Fatigue is one of the leading warning signs of many chronic health conditions, especially bone cancer. If you are also constantly feeling low and tired, then it might be time to get your complete health check-up done.

Fractures

Bone cancer can weaken the bone, but most often the bones do not fracture (break). People with a fracture next to or through a bone tumour usually describe sudden severe pain in a bone that had been sore for a few months, the American Cancer society says on its website.

Pain and swelling

Another symptom of bone cancer is persistent pain in the bone that gets worse over time and continues into the night. Similarly, there is swelling and redness (inflammation) over a bone, which can make movement difficult if the affected bone is near a joint, NHS.

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