Bone cancer symptoms can vary and not everyone will feel the same. Many symptoms are similar to everyday aches and pains, which means that they can be mistaken for other things, like strains and sports injuries - or even growing pains.
Here are some of the common symptoms:
- Pain (the main symptom) - this could be a persistent ache that doesn't go away, and one that's often worse at night when muscles are relaxed. Or it might feel tender around the affected area.
- Swelling around the affected bone - though this doesn't always happen because the tumour can be hidden deep in the surrounding area (for example, in the pelvis).
- Finding it difficult and painful to move - if the tumour is affecting the spine it might put pressure on the nerves in that area. This can cause tingling and numbness in your legs or arms.
- Breaking a bone after a very minor fall - this could be because the bone has been weakened by cancer.
- There are also general symptoms, like tiredness, high temperature, poor appetite and weight loss.
If you have any of these symptoms, or are worried that you may have a bone tumour, the first thing to do is to see your family doctor (GP). They'll examine you and refer you onto a hospital if they think you need to see a specialist doctor. Remember, most people with the symptoms mentioned here will not have bone cancer.
