Some people with bone cancer have no symptoms other than feeling a painless lump. For others however, a variety of symptoms can develop. These symptoms may also occur because of other conditions, such as arthritis or Lyme disease, which may delay the diagnosis.
Bone pain is the most common symptom of bone cancer. Some people experience other symptoms as well.
Bone pain
Pain caused by bone cancer usually begins with a feeling of tenderness in the affected bone. This gradually progresses to a persistent ache or an ache that comes and goes, which continues at night and when resting.
Any bone can be affected, although bone cancer most often develops in the long bones of the legs or upper arms. The pain can sometimes be wrongly mistaken for arthritis in adults and growing pains in children and teenagers.
Other symptoms
Swelling: Some people also experience swelling and redness (inflammation) or notice a lump on or around the affected bone. If the bone is near a joint, the swelling may make it difficult to use the joint. This may make it difficult to walk, and you may walk with a limp.
Fractures: In some cases, the cancer can weaken a bone, causing it to break (fracture) easily after a minor injury or fall.
Tiredness: Some people with bone cancer may experience tiredness or fatigue.
Unexplained weight loss: Unexplained weight loss can be a sign of bone cancer.
A high temperature
Sweating, particularly at night
It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, and they do not necessarily mean that a person has bone cancer.