Symptoms of bone cancer:
  The exact symptoms will vary, depending on the size of the cancer and where it is in the body.  Common symptoms include

• Pain     

• Swelling     

• Problems with movement 

The area around the bone tumour may be painful or tender.  The pain is often worse at night.  There is more information about cancer and pain control  in the symptoms and side effects section.

Swelling may not show up until the bone tumour is quite large.  You cannot always feel, or see a lump.  This depends on where the cancer is located.

If the cancer is near a joint, the lump can get in the way and make it more difficult for you to move.  You may develop a limp if the cancer is in a bone in your leg.

Other less common symptoms that you may have with bone cancer include

• Tiredness     

• Fever or sweats     

• Weight loss

Remember – all these symptoms can be caused by conditions other than cancer.  Primary bone cancer is very rare, and it is much more likely that some other problem is causing your symptoms.  But you must have your symptoms checked by your doctor.  If it is a cancer, the sooner it is diagnosed the better.  If it isn’t, there may well be other treatment that will relieve or cure your symptoms.

Notes: Cancer Research UK

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EditText of this page (last edited April 22, 2009)