Merck Manuals, an online medical library, describes bone cancer as a malignant growth of the bone tissue, which results in destruction of that tissue. Bone cancer can originate in the bone tissue (primary cancer), or begin elsewhere and spread to the bones (metastatic cancer). Merck Manuals reports that bone cancers are relatively rare, affecting 2,500 people in the United States each year. The symptoms of bone cancer generally concern the bone itself.
Lump or Swelling
The Mayo Clinic reports that the growing tumor may cause a visible lump and/or swelling at the affected area. The National Cancer Institute describes the swelling as persistent and unusual. For example, swelling might also occur on a bruised shin this has bumped into the side of a table. Swelling or a lump from a tumor has no explanation, and does not diminish over time. Because there are multiple possible causes of a lump or swelling of the bone, the National Cancer Institute advises consulting a medical professional to determine the exact diagnosis.
Pain
The National Cancer Institute reports that the most common symptom of bone cancer is pain of the affected bone. However, pain is not a specific symptom of bone cancer, as some bone tumors are painless. Merck Manuals confirms that pain is not always present in bone cancer and that pain and a swelling or lump do not always occur together. Bone cancer may cause pain without a lump and vice versa. Merck Manuals also notes that pain may intensify when at rest, and may become progressively more severe.
Other Symptoms
The Mayo Clinic reports that bone cancer may also cause unintended weight loss and fatigue. Because bone cancer destroys the tissue of the bone, it may weaken the bone and make it easy for the bone to be fractured. According to Merck Manuals, fractures may occur so easily that little or no apparent pressure on the bone results in a broken bone.
