Symptoms of secondary bone cancer

Bone pain Back to top

The most common symptom of secondary cancer in the bone is pain in the affected area. The pain may be a dull, persistent ache, which can occur during the day as well as at night. There may also be swelling and tenderness in the area. If you have this type of pain and it lasts for more than 1-2 weeks, let your doctor know as soon as possible. Although bone secondaries can occur in several different bones at the same time, usually only one or two areas are painful.

Weakened bones Back to top

Sometimes if a bone is weakened by cancer it will break (fracture), even if you haven’t had an accident or fall. This is known as a pathological fracture.

Raised calcium level Back to top

When bones are affected by secondary cancer cells, increased amounts of calcium (the substance that helps to build bones) may be released into the blood. A raised level of calcium in the blood is called hypercalcaemia. It can cause symptoms such as tiredness|, feeling sick (nausea)|, constipation|, thirst and confusion. However, hypercalcaemia is often discovered with a blood test before any symptoms develop.

Pressure on the spinal cord Back to top

If secondary bone cancer affects the bones of the spine, it can put pressure on the nerves of the spinal cord.

This is called spinal cord compression| and may cause symptoms such as pain, muscle weakness, and sometimes tingling and numbness of the limbs. If the lower spine is affected, it may also affect how the bowel and bladder work.

If you have weakness, pain, tingling or numbness in your legs, it’s very important to tell your doctor or specialist nurse straight away so that treatment can be given as soon as possible to prevent permanent damage.

Other symptoms Back to top

Sometimes secondary cancer in the bone can make you feel more tired than usual. 

Occasionally, secondary cancer in the bone can affect the way the bone marrow works. The bone marrow is the spongy material that fills the bones and produces blood cells.

It produces different types of blood cell:

• red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body
• white blood cells, which help to fight infection
• platelets, which help the blood to clot and prevent bleeding.

If the bone marrow is unable to produce enough red blood cells, you may become anaemic, which can make you feel tired and breathless. If you have too few white blood cells, you will be more prone to infection|. And if you have a low platelet count, you may have bruising or bleeding.