Bone cancer: Signs, risks, and treatment
- Cancer is the second biggest killing disease in the world
- Bone cancer is a rare type of cancer
- Risk factors of bone cancer include genetics and lifestyle habits
Even with modern procedures and treatment, cancer continues to be medical science’s biggest challenge and remains a life-threatening disease that kills millions every year. There are more than 100 types of cancer, and it is the second biggest killer in the world, after cardiovascular diseases.
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Bone cancer, a cancer that causes unusual cell growth in the bones, is a rare form of cancer. A tumor forms inside the bone, and as the cancer cells spread, the cancer begins to affect the organs. This stage of the cancer spreading to nearby organs is called metastasis.
Bone cancer has some common symptoms
1. Pain – Pain in the area of the tumor is a common symptom of bone cancer. The pain can be consistent and prolonged and can get worse with physical activity.
2. Joint swelling– Cancer that spreads till the joints can make the joint swell, and the person may experience stiffness. The individual might not be able to move the joint.
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3. Fractures- Bone cancer weakens bones, and so fractures may occur easily. The person might complain about severe pain in a bone that was already painful.
4. Weight loss– Unintentional or unexplained weight loss is a common symptom of many types of cancer. As cancer cells consume the majority of the body’s energy, weight loss occurs.
Currently, popular bone cancer treatments include chemotherapy, a drug treatment that involves strong chemicals that kill cancer cells in the bloodstream.
Radiation is also used to shrink the size of the tumors and kill cancer cells. It involves high doses of radiation.
Risk factors of bone cancer include genetics that can’t be changed. Lifestyle habits such as smoking and drinking can also put you at a risk of cancer and other diseases, and so, altering one’s lifestyle habits can reduce the risk of cancer.
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