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> Sarcomas: Soft Tissue, Connective Tissue & Bone Cancers > Bone Metastasis
Pain is the most common symptom and usually the first symptom that patients
notice. Pain is most often felt at the site of the metastasis, which is
referred to as
localized pain. There are also
cases where patients experience pain in areas surrounding the metastasis.
Depending upon the location of the metastasis, the pain may vary. Bone
metastasis patients often describe the pain as gradually increasing over
a period of time and becoming more severe. Patients with metastases to
the spinal cord often have pain or discomfort that is worse at night or
with bed rest. However, those patients with lesions involving the long
bones, such as the arms and legs, have pain with activity or movement.
In this case, some relief is usually achieved with rest.
It is important for you to know that not all pain means metastasis. Your
doctor may be able to help you to tell the difference between bone metastasis
pain and normal aches and pains or pains from other sources. It is important
to talk with your doctor about any pain or discomfort that you may be
having.
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Too much force or stress on a bone will lead to fracture.
A
fracture is a medical term used to describe
a broken or cracked bone. Bone metastases can weaken your
bones and put you at risk for fractures. Not all patients
will fracture bones, but it is important to be aware of that
possibility.
Impending fractures describe
those bones that are about to break. If found early, your
doctor may be able to treat the bone to keep it from breaking.
Bone metastasis patients need to remember that their bones
are frailer, and they may need to be more careful when performing
daily tasks. Although regular exercise is generally helpful,
it is important to ask your doctor if you should change or
stop doing certain activities.
If the secondary tumor is located in the spinal area, it
can result in
spinal cord compression. Spinal
cord compression occurs when the tumor squeezes the spinal
cord. This can lead to back pain or make walking painful and
difficult. Other symptoms might include numbness and weakness
in the legs, problems with the bowels or bladder, or numbness
in the abdominal area.
Patients can experience a number of other symptoms if bone metastases affect the
bone marrow, which usually occurs in those who have received extensive
chemotherapy or radiation therapy. If your level of red blood cells drops,
you might become
anemic and have symptoms
of fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. Patients whose white blood
cells are affected may be more likely to have infections, which could
cause fevers, chills, fatigue, or pain. Lastly, if your platelet count
is low, you may have abnormal bleeding. The symptoms vary depending upon
the type of blood cell affected.
The nurses at
Cancer AnswerLine™ have answers. Call 1-800-865-1125 and you'll get a personal response from one of our registered nurses,
who have years of experience in caring for people with cancer.
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