Complications of Bone Cancer

Overview

Bone cancer is a rare type of cancer that happens when cells in the bone start to grow out of control. It can be either primary, meaning it starts in the bone, or secondary, which means it spreads to the bone from another part of the body.

Bone cancer can lead to different health problems that can affect a person's daily life and well-being. Some common health problems of bone cancer include:

• Bone pain:
  • Often one of the first signs that cancer has started in the bones or has spread there
  • It may begin as occasional pain but can become constant over time.
  • Pain relievers and bisphosphonates (medicines that help strengthen bones) may be used to manage bone pain.
  • Radiation therapy (a treatment that uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells or stop them from growing) can also help reduce pain.
• Spinal compression:
  • Occurs when bone cancer affects or spreads to the bones of the spine, pressing or squeezing the spinal cord tightly
  • Requires immediate medical attention due to its seriousness
  • Symptoms may include:
    • Back or neck pain
    • Numbness in the legs or belly (abdomen)
    • Weakness in the legs
    • Loss of control over bowel movements or urination
  • Treatment options include surgery and radiation therapy
• Hypercalcemia:
  • Bone cancer, especially when it spreads to other areas (metastasis) can lead to the breakdown of bone cells, releasing too much calcium into the blood.
  • This condition is known as hypercalcemia, which means having high levels of calcium in the blood.
  • Symptoms of hypercalcemia may include:
    • Fatigue (feeling very tired)
    • Nausea (feeling sick to the stomach)
    • Constipation (difficulty having bowel movements)
    • Increased thirst
    • Confusion
  • Treatment options may involve:
    • Medicines to lower calcium levels
    • Intravenous (IV) fluids to help flush out extra calcium

To prevent or treat problems related to bone cancer, it is important to work closely with a healthcare team. Here are some strategies:

• Regular communication with your healthcare provider: If you experience any new symptoms or changes in your condition, inform your healthcare provider right away. They can check your symptoms and suggest the right treatments.
• Pain management: If you are experiencing bone pain, discuss it with your healthcare provider. They may prescribe pain relievers or other medicines to help manage your pain well.
• Bone strengthening medicines: Medicines called bisphosphonates help strengthen bones and reduce the risk of broken bones in people with bone cancer that has spread. Talk to your doctor about whether bisphosphonates are right for you.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy can target specific areas affected by bone cancer that has spread to help relieve pain and other symptoms.
• Supportive care: Staying active, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough rest can all help improve overall well-being during cancer treatment.

Remember, every person's situation is different, so it's important to talk to your healthcare provider about prevention and treatment. They can give you advice that’s right for your situation. Medication type and dosing are affected by many factors and may be different for each person, and additional side effects may happen. Talk to your doctor for personalized advice and read the information provided with your medication. Surgery should only be considered if non-surgical options have been unsuccessful.