It is possible to have bone cancer without knowing it for a while, as the symptoms of bone cancer may not appear until the cancer has reached an advanced stage. This may also be because bone cancer symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions.
The main reason why bone cancer can go undetected for some time is that identifying bone cancer in its initial stage is difficult since a person will not show any major signs or symptoms of having it. And unless the person goes to a doctor and undergoes multiple tests, identifying it with only visual inspections becomes very difficult.
Since bone cancer starts in the bones, it’s impossible to know about it through the naked eye. For that reason, bone cancer in a person can go undetected for five years and even more in a few cases. This long delay can lead to difficulty providing treatment and diagnosing the person’s exact condition.
With regular screening and medical check-ups, many types of cancers can be diagnosed early, before symptoms form. As bone cancer shows no major symptoms, you need to take the help of doctors who have the right tools to diagnose your hidden cancer and other health conditions. They use tests like CT scans, X-rays, and MRIs to diagnose a patient’s condition.
When cancer or any condition is present but there are no noticeable symptoms, it’s said to be asymptomatic. Many cancers are asymptomatic in their early stages, which is why regular screenings are so important.
Symptoms of bone cancer may include pain in the affected bone, swelling or tenderness near the affected bone, and difficulty moving the affected limb. However, these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, so it is important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
If you have a family history of bone cancer or have been exposed to risk factors for bone cancer, it is especially important to be vigilant about any unusual symptoms and to see a doctor if you have any concerns.