Bone cancer is a cancer that can begin in any bone of the individual, though it usually affects the long bones of the body that make up the arms and legs. There are three types of bone cancer. Osteosarcoma begins in the bone cells and occurs mostly in young adults. Chondrosarcoma begins in the cartilage cells found at the ends of the bones. Ewing's sarcoma begins in the nerve tissue in the bone marrow and mostly occurs in children and young adults. According to MayoClinic.com, there are several symptoms seen with bone cancer.
Pain and Swelling
Pain is a symptom of bone cancer, as reported by MayoClinic.com. The individual experiences pain in the bones that is not due to any other reason. The pain is also persistent and does not go away. There may also be swelling in and around the site of the cancer. Patients also report experiencing discomfort and tenderness in the area when it is touched or some amount of pressure is applied.
Weakening of the Bones
The bones may become weak in individuals with bone cancer. MayoClinic.com states that due to the spread of the cancer in the bones, they become weak and thin. This makes the affected area prone to breakage and the individual may suffer recurrent fractures.
Unintentional Weight Loss
MayoClinic.com reports that weight loss is also a symptom of bone cancer. The individual may not be intentionally trying to lose weight. There may also be no other obvious reason for the weight loss. However, the decrease in weight of the individual is clearly seen, and it occurs due to the growth of cancerous cells in the bone.
Other Symptoms
Fatigue is another symptom of bone cancer, as listed on MayoClinic.com. The person feels exhausted all the time. It becomes difficult to perform usual tasks because the person gets excessively tired quickly. The individual's physical capacity is reduced. Continuous fever without any reason may also be present in patients with bone cancer.
