By Mayar, Facty StaffUpdated:
May 19, 2020
Myelofibrosis is a type of cancer that affects bone marrow. Bone marrow is the part of the body that is responsible for forming new blood cells. You may think of bone marrow as a factory for making blood cells. In myelofibrosis fibrosis, a certain gene mutation causes the bone marrow to produce a lot of blood cells at some stage. Abnormal cells in the bone marrow start to produce certain substances called cytokines. One of these cytokines is called fibroblast growth factor, which replaces the tissue that forms blood cells by collagen fibrous tissue. This will decrease the bone marrow's ability to produce new blood cells, so the numbers of all types of blood cells will decrease which is called "pancytopenia."
1. The abdomen may feel Swollen
The abnormal blood cells may collect in the liver and spleen. Because there is a significant number of them and because they tend to grow rapidly, they can cause the liver and spleen to increase in size. That is why people affected by myelofibrosis will start to feel that their abdomen is swollen. They may also feel fullness or heaviness.
2. Fatigue
In myelofibrosis, the tissue that forms blood cells is replaced by collagen fibrous tissue. This will decrease the bone marrow's ability to produce new blood cells. Some of these affected cells are red blood cells. This is why the person who suffers from Myelofibrosis can develop anemia.
The decrease in the number of available red blood cells will cause many other symptoms as well. Fatigue is one of them because red blood cells are responsible for delivering oxygen to all of the cells in the body. When the numbers of red blood cells decrease, the different cells of the body will not be able to find an adequate amount of oxygen that it needs to produce energy. So, the person will feel tired and exhausted all the time.
3. Pale skin
This is also caused by the decreased numbers of red blood cells. The blood running through the vessels is what gives the skin its pinkish color, and the blood appears red in color because it contains red blood cells. Red blood cells are red because they contain red subunit called heme. Heme subunits are part of the hemoglobin protein of the red blood cells. It can help in binding Iron which, in turn, helps in binding oxygen. When there are less red blood cells, the blood will contain a lesser amount of that subunit. So, the skin will appear paler.
4. Dizziness and Shortness of breath
Because the number of red blood cells decreases, the cells in the brain do not get an adequate amount of oxygen they need for various function. This makes the person affected with Myelofibrosis feel dizzy and lightheaded. Many Patients may find it hard to focus, concentrate or perform challenging mental activities. They may also experience breathing difficulties in the form of shortness of breath. This shortness of breath becomes more obvious when the person tries to do some physical activity. It is also caused by a decreased number of red blood cells.
5. Infection
White blood cells are a crucial and vital part of the body's defense system. They help protect the body from many harmful organisms. In Myelofibrosis, the tissues responsible for producing white blood cells are replaced by fibrous tissue. This makes the bone marrow produce less White blood cells. That is why myelofibrosis patients have a low immunity and are more likely to get sick than normal people.
6. Bruising and easy bleeding
The fibrosis of parts of the bone marrow decreases its production of platelets as well. Platelets play a major role in forming clots and stopping the bleeding. The low number of platelets is scientifically termed "thrombocytopenia." It will lead to petechiae and bleeding from the gums, nose and under the skin. Petechiae are small red spots on the skin or mucous membrane resulting from bleeding of a small capillary vessel. Small petechiae can group together to form a larger purple or blue spot called ecchymoses. Myelofibrosis will also experience bleeding from minor trauma and an increase in the time needed so that the bleeding stops.
7. Bone pain
Some people with Myelofibrosis will experience some form of bone pain. It is a relatively common symptom. It occurs commonly in the long bone. Long bones are a type of bone present in the human body. The Femur, tibia, and fibula are examples of long bones. Pain in the joints, as well as inflammation in the joints, are also commonly associated with bone pain.
8. Weight loss
The people affected by myelofibrosis feel tired and exhausted all the time. This feeling is present even with no or minimal effort. As a direct result of their disease, they may start to lose their appetite and eat less or refuse to eat. This will may make them lose weight. The combination of fatigue, appetite loss, and weight loss will lead to a type of weakness that may progress to wasting of the body that is common in severe chronic disease. This is called cachexia, and it is also common in patients who have other types of cancers.
9. Gout and high uric acid levels
Myelofibrosis can increase the levels of uric acid in the blood. The cause of this high uric acid level is not yet clear. It is possible that myelofibrosis makes the body produce more uric acid or decreases the body's ability to remove it. High levels of uric acids are known as Gout. Some of the symptoms that indicate a person has developed gout include pain and swelling of the joint of the big toe, redness around the joint, and limitation of the movement of the joint.
10. Cutaneous myelofibrosis
Cutaneous myelofibrosis is a rare condition that usually happens in neonates who are exposed to an intrauterine infection; or those who are born with certain diseases like hereditary spherocytosis and twin transfusion syndrome. It affects the skin and leads to the formation of nodules in the dermis and the subcutaneous tissue of the skin.
10 Treatments for Bone Cancer
HomeConditionsCancer
By Charmaine, Facty
Myelofibrosis is a type of cancer that affects bone marrow. Bone marrow is the part of the body that is responsible for forming new blood cells. You may think of bone marrow as a factory for making blood cells. In myelofibrosis fibrosis, a certain gene mutation causes the bone marrow to produce a lot of blood cells at some stage. Abnormal cells in the bone marrow start to produce certain substances called cytokines. One of these cytokines is called fibroblast growth factor, which replaces the tissue that forms blood cells by collagen fibrous tissue. This will decrease the bone marrow's ability to produce new blood cells, so the numbers of all types of blood cells will decrease which is called "pancytopenia."
1. The abdomen may feel Swollen
The abnormal blood cells may collect in the liver and spleen. Because there is a significant number of them and because they tend to grow rapidly, they can cause the liver and spleen to increase in size. That is why people affected by myelofibrosis will start to feel that their abdomen is swollen. They may also feel fullness or heaviness.
2. Fatigue
In myelofibrosis, the tissue that forms blood cells is replaced by collagen fibrous tissue. This will decrease the bone marrow's ability to produce new blood cells. Some of these affected cells are red blood cells. This is why the person who suffers from Myelofibrosis can develop anemia.
The decrease in the number of available red blood cells will cause many other symptoms as well. Fatigue is one of them because red blood cells are responsible for delivering oxygen to all of the cells in the body. When the numbers of red blood cells decrease, the different cells of the body will not be able to find an adequate amount of oxygen that it needs to produce energy. So, the person will feel tired and exhausted all the time.
3. Pale skin
This is also caused by the decreased numbers of red blood cells. The blood running through the vessels is what gives the skin its pinkish color, and the blood appears red in color because it contains red blood cells. Red blood cells are red because they contain red subunit called heme. Heme subunits are part of the hemoglobin protein of the red blood cells. It can help in binding Iron which, in turn, helps in binding oxygen. When there are less red blood cells, the blood will contain a lesser amount of that subunit. So, the skin will appear paler.
4. Dizziness and Shortness of breath
Because the number of red blood cells decreases, the cells in the brain do not get an adequate amount of oxygen they need for various function. This makes the person affected with Myelofibrosis feel dizzy and lightheaded. Many Patients may find it hard to focus, concentrate or perform challenging mental activities. They may also experience breathing difficulties in the form of shortness of breath. This shortness of breath becomes more obvious when the person tries to do some physical activity. It is also caused by a decreased number of red blood cells.
5. Infection
White blood cells are a crucial and vital part of the body's defense system. They help protect the body from many harmful organisms. In Myelofibrosis, the tissues responsible for producing white blood cells are replaced by fibrous tissue. This makes the bone marrow produce less White blood cells. That is why myelofibrosis patients have a low immunity and are more likely to get sick than normal people.
6. Bruising and easy bleeding
The fibrosis of parts of the bone marrow decreases its production of platelets as well. Platelets play a major role in forming clots and stopping the bleeding. The low number of platelets is scientifically termed "thrombocytopenia." It will lead to petechiae and bleeding from the gums, nose and under the skin. Petechiae are small red spots on the skin or mucous membrane resulting from bleeding of a small capillary vessel. Small petechiae can group together to form a larger purple or blue spot called ecchymoses. Myelofibrosis will also experience bleeding from minor trauma and an increase in the time needed so that the bleeding stops.
7. Bone pain
Some people with Myelofibrosis will experience some form of bone pain. It is a relatively common symptom. It occurs commonly in the long bone. Long bones are a type of bone present in the human body. The Femur, tibia, and fibula are examples of long bones. Pain in the joints, as well as inflammation in the joints, are also commonly associated with bone pain.
8. Weight loss
The people affected by myelofibrosis feel tired and exhausted all the time. This feeling is present even with no or minimal effort. As a direct result of their disease, they may start to lose their appetite and eat less or refuse to eat. This will may make them lose weight. The combination of fatigue, appetite loss, and weight loss will lead to a type of weakness that may progress to wasting of the body that is common in severe chronic disease. This is called cachexia, and it is also common in patients who have other types of cancers.
9. Gout and high uric acid levels
Myelofibrosis can increase the levels of uric acid in the blood. The cause of this high uric acid level is not yet clear. It is possible that myelofibrosis makes the body produce more uric acid or decreases the body's ability to remove it. High levels of uric acids are known as Gout. Some of the symptoms that indicate a person has developed gout include pain and swelling of the joint of the big toe, redness around the joint, and limitation of the movement of the joint.
10. Cutaneous myelofibrosis
Cutaneous myelofibrosis is a rare condition that usually happens in neonates who are exposed to an intrauterine infection; or those who are born with certain diseases like hereditary spherocytosis and twin transfusion syndrome. It affects the skin and leads to the formation of nodules in the dermis and the subcutaneous tissue of the skin.
10 Treatments for Bone Cancer
HomeConditionsCancer
By Charmaine, Facty
StaffUpdated: Mar 17, 2021
Bone cancer is a cancerous tumor of the bone. There are both benign (noncancerous) tumors and malignant (cancerous) bone tumors, but only the malignant tumors destroy healthy bone density tissue. Benign tumors also grow in the body but do not spread, or destroy any bone tissue and are not usually a threat to life. A malignant tumor is primary bone cancer and is less common than cancer that metastasizes (spreads) to the bones in other parts of the body. Of primary bone cancer, there are a few different kinds, including Osteosarcoma, Chondrosarcoma and Ewing Sarcoma. There are many roads to go down in regards to treatment, but it’s a matter of finding the right one for your specific kind of bone cancer.
1. Radiation
Radiation therapy, also known as Radiotherapy, is often used in those suffering from bone cancer as secondary cancer. It helps to control the pain and also helps prevent the development of new pain. You can have either External Beam Therapy, which is when a radiation beam is directed at the bone, from outside the body or, Internal Radiotherapy. With this, you have an injection of radiation liquid, which is injected directly into the affected area and lasts for a couple of days in your body. Radiotherapy will not cure cancer but, it will slow the cancer growth and give you a better quality of life.
2. Chemotherapy
Targeting cancer that begins in your bones, chemotherapy uses a combination of anti-cancer drugs injected into the bloodstream, to destroy the cancer cells. Although chemotherapy works very well for different types of cancer, you may treatments at various stages of cancer. Before or after surgery to reduce the risk of the cancer returning, and sometimes you may have it along with radiotherapy. A course of treatment is made up of between 6-14 cycles. One cycle is a dose of drugs over many days in a hospital, then a break of a couple of weeks. If the cancer is advanced, you may have a course of chemotherapy to prolong life by slowing cancer and relieving symptoms.
3. Targeted therapy
Targeted therapy in bone cancer is when drugs are used to stop the growth and spread of cancer. It does this by killing the cancer cells, preventing the cancer cells from multiplying. It is called ‘targeted’ because they use a mix of drugs specifically chosen with regard to the patient’s type of cancer and their DNA. These drugs can be taken orally with pills at home or intravenously at the hospital. Not all cancers can be treated in this method, and the schedule of drugs is different in each patient. Targeted therapy can also be used in conjunction with chemotherapy and radiation therapy or surgery.
4. Surgery
Surgery for bone cancer is an option when other treatments have not been successful, or when your health professional decides cancer needs to come out of your body as soon as possible. The type of surgery needed depends on the size of cancer and where it is. Surgery includes removing the bone affected, or removing a part of the bone affected and replacing it with a prosthetic piece. This surgery is usually only used when the cancer is not attached to any other tissues surrounding the bone. Surgery is also used in amputation. By removing the entire arm or leg that was infected by cancer.
5. Mifamurtide medication
For a particular bone cancer called osteosarcoma, which usually affects children and young adults, a medication called Mifamurtide can be administered in combination with chemotherapy. A course of Mifamurtide will begin after surgery, to help prevent cancer returning. This drug works by stimulating the immune system to produce particular specialized cells, which kill the cancer cells. Taken by infusion, a course of treatment can be two times a week for 12 weeks then once a week for another 24 weeks.
6. Massage therapy
Massage therapy is not a cure for bone cancer, but studies have found that massage helps the wellbeing of cancer sufferers. Massage is used as a natural way to help cope with cancer and cancer treatments. Massage can help by reducing symptoms like some pain and nausea, anger and stress, fatigue, anxiety, and depression. Massage is used to help cancer patients feel better. Cancer patients interested in using massage to reduce the stress of the disease will have to find a professional massage therapist that can work with those patients currently having treatment.
7. Diet
Naturally, proper nutrition and eating well is essential for anyone’s health. When you have bone cancer and need treatment, your eating habits will change dramatically, your appetite will go up and down and tolerance to various food swill change. Before treatment, it is crucial to eat well, so you are better equipped to handle the side effects of the drugs. You need strength and a boost in your immune system to handle the treatment better. Foods high in protein and calories are best. During your treatment will be the hardest as you most likely won’t feel like eating anything so choose well when you decide what to put in your body. After treatment, it’s best to stick to low-fat milk and dairy, high fiber foods and lots of fruits and vegetables.
8. Vitamins and supplements
When in cancer treatment you are putting your body through a great deal. Along with a nutritional diet, it is important to take some dietary supplements and vitamins to make sure your body is receiving all the good things you need to stay healthy. It’s recommended to take multivitamins containing A, C, E< and B complex; also important are magnesium, calcium selenium and zinc. A probiotic is good to take to maintain gastrointestinal health and boosting your immune system. Fish oil can help to decrease inflammation, and for bone support, it is imperative to take Vitamin D and Calcium Citrate.
9. Yoga
Studies have shown that yoga can help manage depression, anxiety, and fear. Most of these things are prevalent in cancer suffers. When practiced during cancer treatment, pain and fatigue caused by the treatment can be significantly improved. What you learn in yoga about breathing techniques, as well as strengthening the body’s core, have an effect on the outlook and pain tolerance of cancer patients. You can expand your range of motion, improve circulation and reduce muscle tension, all beneficial for those going through a medical cancer treatment. You don’t have to be a professional yogi to reap the benefits of some of the key exercises, practiced regularly.
10. Aloe vera
Aloe vera is one of the most powerful plants around. It contains massive healing qualities and is full of vitamins like B1m B2, B3, B5, B6, B12 Vitamin C, and choline, plus zinc, calcium, copper, magnesium, and manganese. It’s this concoction, which is beneficial for bones. Aloe is often used in cancer patients directly onto the skin of those having radiotherapy, lessening the reaction in the skin. There have also been studies to suggest aloe taken in liquid form while on a cycle of chemotherapy, helped shrink the size of cancer. There are some side effects to ingesting large amounts of aloe vera so please talk to your doctor for more information.
10 Signs Of Bone Cancer
HomeConditionsCancer
By Glenda Taylor
Reviewed By Brindusa Vanta, MDUpdated: Apr 27, 2020
Primary bone cancer is rare, making up around 0.2 percent of all cancers, according to the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Researchers say the onset could be linked to hereditary factors, but a specific cause is not known. The majority of bone tumors are noncancerous. In many cases, when cancer is found in the bone it is secondary -- the tumors spread or metastasized from somewhere else and are thus not categorized as bone cancer. Bone cancer, or cancer that has reached the bones, has a variety of symptoms.
2. Tingling, Numbness, or a Burning Sensation
When bone cancer affects the nerves inside the bone, individuals describe a tingling, numb, or burning sensation. Nerve pain can be difficult to describe to a physician because it is unlike the usual types of pain. Bone cancer disrupts the normal activity of bone cells, irritating the interior nerves, injuring the nerve fibers, and increasing nerve sensitivity. Oncologists say that once the tumors interact with the nerves inside the bone, the tumor size increases, worsening these symptoms.
3. Joint Stiffness and Swelling
Bone cancers often develop near or in a joint in the upper arms or legs. Not only does the area around the joint become tender, but the tumor also causes stiffness, which affects the range of motion. Swelling and redness then develop in the area where the pain first developed, usually several weeks later. The individual may notice a lump or mass near the area as well. A physician will check the area for swelling and tenderness and changes in the surrounding skin.
4. Weakened Bones and Fractures
In most cases, bone tumors develop in the long bones of the upper arms and legs, and the pelvis. The tumors are usually benign but can be malignant. Cancer weakens the bone where the tumor exists and may cause fractures. Some individuals develop a noticeable limp or experience a sudden onset of severe pain in a bone that was previously sore, and this could be a sign of bone cancer. In some cases, x-rays for other conditions such as sprained ankles or knee injuries uncover benign tumors. Fractures in cancer-weakened bones can occur next to or through the bone tumor itself.
5. Low Back Pain
Bone cancer occurring in the pelvis may cause lower back pain and sciatica. Back pain is a widespread issue for adults, and this can delay a diagnosis of pelvic bone cancer. Individuals over the age of 45 are the demographic most commonly diagnosed with pelvic cancer, and diagnosis is often preceded by painful symptoms that last longer than a month. Affected people develop a sudden onset of back pain or sciatica that occurs primarily at night and becomes increasingly worse and unresponsive to changes in position or bed rest. Because there is no traumatic injury, most therapies to treat back pain are ineffective.
6. Fever
Most people with cancer contract a fever at some point. Although fever is rarely an early sign of bone cancer, it is a sign that the body is fighting an infection or illness. If cancer affects the immune system, it is harder for the body to fight off the infection. Fevers may signify that cancer has spread or is in an advanced stage. If pain accompanies the fever, or if it exceeds 103 F, seek medical attention.
7. Fatigue
Fatigue leaves people feeling exhausted after the simplest activities, and sleep does not improve the condition. Fatigue is an early symptom of most cancers, including bone cancer. Pain levels and anemia contribute to fatigue. However, medical professionals believe that anemia is directly related to the effects cancer has on the central nervous system, muscle-energy metabolism, and circadian rhythms. Poor nutrition can also contribute to fatigue in people with bone cancer.
8. Night Sweats
Some types of cancer cause night sweats, medically known as sleep hyperhidrosis. Overheating during sleep does not cause night sweats. Researchers believe the symptom has a connection with the hormonal changes that occur when diseases such as bone cancer affect the body. Night sweats could be the body's attempt to fight off cancer or a reaction to stress or anxiety. Fevers can also lead to sweating.
9. Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss
Another sign of bone cancer is the unintended loss of ten pounds or more. Weight changes and muscle loss are common cancer symptoms. Research shows that the body produces substances called cytokines, proteins created by both immune and non-immune cells, to fight off cancer. The production of cytokines causes a decrease in appetite, which leads to poor nutrition in addition to weight and muscle loss. Cachexia is a condition that causes extreme weight loss and muscle wasting, and is commonly seen in advanced cases of cancer.
10. Anemia
Bone cancer affecting the bone marrow may cause anemia, the lack of a healthy level of red blood cells or hemoglobin. Cancer interferes with the production of red blood cells, and low levels of hemoglobin prevent the body from getting the oxygen it needs. Symptoms of anemia include fatigue and weakness, shortness of breath, headaches, chest pains, irregular heartbeats, and lightheadedness. A physician can test for red blood cell levels using a complete blood count (CBC) test.
Bone cancer is a cancerous tumor of the bone. There are both benign (noncancerous) tumors and malignant (cancerous) bone tumors, but only the malignant tumors destroy healthy bone density tissue. Benign tumors also grow in the body but do not spread, or destroy any bone tissue and are not usually a threat to life. A malignant tumor is primary bone cancer and is less common than cancer that metastasizes (spreads) to the bones in other parts of the body. Of primary bone cancer, there are a few different kinds, including Osteosarcoma, Chondrosarcoma and Ewing Sarcoma. There are many roads to go down in regards to treatment, but it’s a matter of finding the right one for your specific kind of bone cancer.
1. Radiation
Radiation therapy, also known as Radiotherapy, is often used in those suffering from bone cancer as secondary cancer. It helps to control the pain and also helps prevent the development of new pain. You can have either External Beam Therapy, which is when a radiation beam is directed at the bone, from outside the body or, Internal Radiotherapy. With this, you have an injection of radiation liquid, which is injected directly into the affected area and lasts for a couple of days in your body. Radiotherapy will not cure cancer but, it will slow the cancer growth and give you a better quality of life.
2. Chemotherapy
Targeting cancer that begins in your bones, chemotherapy uses a combination of anti-cancer drugs injected into the bloodstream, to destroy the cancer cells. Although chemotherapy works very well for different types of cancer, you may treatments at various stages of cancer. Before or after surgery to reduce the risk of the cancer returning, and sometimes you may have it along with radiotherapy. A course of treatment is made up of between 6-14 cycles. One cycle is a dose of drugs over many days in a hospital, then a break of a couple of weeks. If the cancer is advanced, you may have a course of chemotherapy to prolong life by slowing cancer and relieving symptoms.
3. Targeted therapy
Targeted therapy in bone cancer is when drugs are used to stop the growth and spread of cancer. It does this by killing the cancer cells, preventing the cancer cells from multiplying. It is called ‘targeted’ because they use a mix of drugs specifically chosen with regard to the patient’s type of cancer and their DNA. These drugs can be taken orally with pills at home or intravenously at the hospital. Not all cancers can be treated in this method, and the schedule of drugs is different in each patient. Targeted therapy can also be used in conjunction with chemotherapy and radiation therapy or surgery.
4. Surgery
Surgery for bone cancer is an option when other treatments have not been successful, or when your health professional decides cancer needs to come out of your body as soon as possible. The type of surgery needed depends on the size of cancer and where it is. Surgery includes removing the bone affected, or removing a part of the bone affected and replacing it with a prosthetic piece. This surgery is usually only used when the cancer is not attached to any other tissues surrounding the bone. Surgery is also used in amputation. By removing the entire arm or leg that was infected by cancer.
5. Mifamurtide medication
For a particular bone cancer called osteosarcoma, which usually affects children and young adults, a medication called Mifamurtide can be administered in combination with chemotherapy. A course of Mifamurtide will begin after surgery, to help prevent cancer returning. This drug works by stimulating the immune system to produce particular specialized cells, which kill the cancer cells. Taken by infusion, a course of treatment can be two times a week for 12 weeks then once a week for another 24 weeks.
6. Massage therapy
Massage therapy is not a cure for bone cancer, but studies have found that massage helps the wellbeing of cancer sufferers. Massage is used as a natural way to help cope with cancer and cancer treatments. Massage can help by reducing symptoms like some pain and nausea, anger and stress, fatigue, anxiety, and depression. Massage is used to help cancer patients feel better. Cancer patients interested in using massage to reduce the stress of the disease will have to find a professional massage therapist that can work with those patients currently having treatment.
7. Diet
Naturally, proper nutrition and eating well is essential for anyone’s health. When you have bone cancer and need treatment, your eating habits will change dramatically, your appetite will go up and down and tolerance to various food swill change. Before treatment, it is crucial to eat well, so you are better equipped to handle the side effects of the drugs. You need strength and a boost in your immune system to handle the treatment better. Foods high in protein and calories are best. During your treatment will be the hardest as you most likely won’t feel like eating anything so choose well when you decide what to put in your body. After treatment, it’s best to stick to low-fat milk and dairy, high fiber foods and lots of fruits and vegetables.
8. Vitamins and supplements
When in cancer treatment you are putting your body through a great deal. Along with a nutritional diet, it is important to take some dietary supplements and vitamins to make sure your body is receiving all the good things you need to stay healthy. It’s recommended to take multivitamins containing A, C, E< and B complex; also important are magnesium, calcium selenium and zinc. A probiotic is good to take to maintain gastrointestinal health and boosting your immune system. Fish oil can help to decrease inflammation, and for bone support, it is imperative to take Vitamin D and Calcium Citrate.
9. Yoga
Studies have shown that yoga can help manage depression, anxiety, and fear. Most of these things are prevalent in cancer suffers. When practiced during cancer treatment, pain and fatigue caused by the treatment can be significantly improved. What you learn in yoga about breathing techniques, as well as strengthening the body’s core, have an effect on the outlook and pain tolerance of cancer patients. You can expand your range of motion, improve circulation and reduce muscle tension, all beneficial for those going through a medical cancer treatment. You don’t have to be a professional yogi to reap the benefits of some of the key exercises, practiced regularly.
10. Aloe vera
Aloe vera is one of the most powerful plants around. It contains massive healing qualities and is full of vitamins like B1m B2, B3, B5, B6, B12 Vitamin C, and choline, plus zinc, calcium, copper, magnesium, and manganese. It’s this concoction, which is beneficial for bones. Aloe is often used in cancer patients directly onto the skin of those having radiotherapy, lessening the reaction in the skin. There have also been studies to suggest aloe taken in liquid form while on a cycle of chemotherapy, helped shrink the size of cancer. There are some side effects to ingesting large amounts of aloe vera so please talk to your doctor for more information.
10 Signs Of Bone Cancer
HomeConditionsCancer
By Glenda Taylor
Reviewed By Brindusa Vanta, MDUpdated: Apr 27, 2020
Primary bone cancer is rare, making up around 0.2 percent of all cancers, according to the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Researchers say the onset could be linked to hereditary factors, but a specific cause is not known. The majority of bone tumors are noncancerous. In many cases, when cancer is found in the bone it is secondary -- the tumors spread or metastasized from somewhere else and are thus not categorized as bone cancer. Bone cancer, or cancer that has reached the bones, has a variety of symptoms.
2. Tingling, Numbness, or a Burning Sensation
When bone cancer affects the nerves inside the bone, individuals describe a tingling, numb, or burning sensation. Nerve pain can be difficult to describe to a physician because it is unlike the usual types of pain. Bone cancer disrupts the normal activity of bone cells, irritating the interior nerves, injuring the nerve fibers, and increasing nerve sensitivity. Oncologists say that once the tumors interact with the nerves inside the bone, the tumor size increases, worsening these symptoms.
3. Joint Stiffness and Swelling
Bone cancers often develop near or in a joint in the upper arms or legs. Not only does the area around the joint become tender, but the tumor also causes stiffness, which affects the range of motion. Swelling and redness then develop in the area where the pain first developed, usually several weeks later. The individual may notice a lump or mass near the area as well. A physician will check the area for swelling and tenderness and changes in the surrounding skin.
4. Weakened Bones and Fractures
In most cases, bone tumors develop in the long bones of the upper arms and legs, and the pelvis. The tumors are usually benign but can be malignant. Cancer weakens the bone where the tumor exists and may cause fractures. Some individuals develop a noticeable limp or experience a sudden onset of severe pain in a bone that was previously sore, and this could be a sign of bone cancer. In some cases, x-rays for other conditions such as sprained ankles or knee injuries uncover benign tumors. Fractures in cancer-weakened bones can occur next to or through the bone tumor itself.
5. Low Back Pain
Bone cancer occurring in the pelvis may cause lower back pain and sciatica. Back pain is a widespread issue for adults, and this can delay a diagnosis of pelvic bone cancer. Individuals over the age of 45 are the demographic most commonly diagnosed with pelvic cancer, and diagnosis is often preceded by painful symptoms that last longer than a month. Affected people develop a sudden onset of back pain or sciatica that occurs primarily at night and becomes increasingly worse and unresponsive to changes in position or bed rest. Because there is no traumatic injury, most therapies to treat back pain are ineffective.
6. Fever
Most people with cancer contract a fever at some point. Although fever is rarely an early sign of bone cancer, it is a sign that the body is fighting an infection or illness. If cancer affects the immune system, it is harder for the body to fight off the infection. Fevers may signify that cancer has spread or is in an advanced stage. If pain accompanies the fever, or if it exceeds 103 F, seek medical attention.
7. Fatigue
Fatigue leaves people feeling exhausted after the simplest activities, and sleep does not improve the condition. Fatigue is an early symptom of most cancers, including bone cancer. Pain levels and anemia contribute to fatigue. However, medical professionals believe that anemia is directly related to the effects cancer has on the central nervous system, muscle-energy metabolism, and circadian rhythms. Poor nutrition can also contribute to fatigue in people with bone cancer.
8. Night Sweats
Some types of cancer cause night sweats, medically known as sleep hyperhidrosis. Overheating during sleep does not cause night sweats. Researchers believe the symptom has a connection with the hormonal changes that occur when diseases such as bone cancer affect the body. Night sweats could be the body's attempt to fight off cancer or a reaction to stress or anxiety. Fevers can also lead to sweating.
9. Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss
Another sign of bone cancer is the unintended loss of ten pounds or more. Weight changes and muscle loss are common cancer symptoms. Research shows that the body produces substances called cytokines, proteins created by both immune and non-immune cells, to fight off cancer. The production of cytokines causes a decrease in appetite, which leads to poor nutrition in addition to weight and muscle loss. Cachexia is a condition that causes extreme weight loss and muscle wasting, and is commonly seen in advanced cases of cancer.
10. Anemia
Bone cancer affecting the bone marrow may cause anemia, the lack of a healthy level of red blood cells or hemoglobin. Cancer interferes with the production of red blood cells, and low levels of hemoglobin prevent the body from getting the oxygen it needs. Symptoms of anemia include fatigue and weakness, shortness of breath, headaches, chest pains, irregular heartbeats, and lightheadedness. A physician can test for red blood cell levels using a complete blood count (CBC) test.
