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Brilio.net - Bone pain that occurs at night is often ignored as a common complaint. Many people consider it just fatigue or muscle tension after a day of activities. However, when the pain becomes more frequent and its intensity increases, it could be a sign of a more serious medical condition, such as bone cancer. It is important to realize that bone cancer is not a common disease, but its early symptoms are often vague and difficult to recognize without a thorough medical examination.
Bone cancer is a type of cancer that attacks bone tissue, and can happen to anyone, both children and adults. One of the most common symptoms is pain that usually feels worse at night. This pain is not just an ordinary discomfort, but can be a signal of cancer cells attacking and destroying bones. Therefore, it is very important not to ignore unusual pain, especially if it does not go away after some time.
According to data from the American Cancer Society, primary bone cancer (cancer that originates in the bone) only accounts for about 0.2 percent of all cancer cases. Bone cancer is often difficult to detect in its early stages because its symptoms are nonspecific, such as pain that increases at night or after activity. This pain can become more intense over time and often does not respond to regular pain medication. In addition, bone cancer can also cause swelling and fractures for no apparent reason.
Therefore, it is very important to recognize the early signs of bone cancer so that you can immediately get the right medical treatment.
Symptoms of bone cancer
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Bone cancer often has vague symptoms and can be easily mistaken for other health conditions. One of the most common signs is pain that gets worse at night or after activity. Here are other symptoms you can look out for:
1. Pain in infected bones
- Pain in the infected bone is the main symptom of bone cancer.
- This pain is often more intense at night or after activity.
- Night pain is one of the most common early symptoms reported by bone cancer patients.
2. Swelling around the bone area
- Swelling can appear around the bone area affected by cancer.
- This swelling is often accompanied by increasingly severe pain.
3. Fracture or broken bone
- Bones affected by cancer become brittle and more susceptible to fractures.
- This fracture can occur with light activity or without any clear cause.
4. Weight loss
- Unexplained weight loss is often a sign of cancer.
- This condition occurs without changes in diet or physical activity.
5. Unusual fatigue
- Bone cancer patients often feel excessive and unusual fatigue.
- This fatigue can occur even without any heavy activity.
6. Decreased organ function
- Bone cancer that is located near joints or other organs can cause decreased function of the related organs.
- This can interfere with mobility and daily activities.
7. Mobility disorders
- Tumors located near joints can cause difficulty in movement.
- In children, these signs are often mistaken for the effects of normal growth, resulting in delayed treatment.
Causes of bone cancer
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Bone cancer can be caused by several factors, including genetic mutations, a family history of cancer, or exposure to radiation. However, most cases of bone cancer occur without a clear cause. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology showed that about 40 percent of primary bone cancer cases are linked to specific genetic mutations. In addition, the presence of other bone diseases such as Paget's disease can also increase the risk of bone cancer.
Other factors to consider are age and gender. Some types of bone cancer are more common in children and adolescents, especially osteosarcoma, which often affects long bones such as the thigh bone and arm bone. In adults, bone cancer is often the result of cancer spreading from other parts of the body (metastasis).
How to treat bone cancer
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Bone cancer treatment depends largely on the type, location, and stage of the cancer. Some common treatment methods include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Surgery is usually performed to remove the tumor and the affected bone, while chemotherapy and radiation therapy are used to kill remaining cancer cells and prevent further spread. A study in The Lancet Oncology showed that a combination of chemotherapy and surgery can increase survival rates by 60-70 percent in patients with osteosarcoma.
In addition, patients also need to undergo rehabilitation therapy to restore the function of the affected bones and joints. The use of painkillers is also often needed to overcome the pain that arises. It is important to discuss all treatment options with an oncologist to get the treatment that best suits the patient's condition and needs.
(brl/far)
