could you pl tell me the symptoms and diagnosis of bone cancer

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002210/

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bone-cancer/DS00520

Certainly! The symptoms of bone cancer can vary depending on the type and location of the cancer. Some common symptoms include:

1. Persistent or worsening bone pain: Pain in the affected area is the most common symptom. It may start as a dull ache and progress to a more severe, persistent pain.

2. Swelling or a lump: You may notice a lump or swelling around the area of the bone affected by cancer. The lump can be painful or tender to the touch.

3. Fractures: Bone weakened by cancer can be more prone to fractures, even from minor injuries or normal activities.

4. Fatigue: Generalized tiredness and weakness may be experienced due to the body's response to cancer.

To diagnose bone cancer, your doctor may recommend the following:

1. Medical history and physical examination: The doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and conduct a physical examination to assess the affected area.

2. Imaging tests: X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, or bone scans may be performed to detect tumors, evaluate their size, location, and spread to nearby tissues.

3. Biopsy: A small sample of the suspicious bone tissue is extracted for analysis. This is usually done through a needle biopsy or a surgical biopsy to determine the presence of cancer cells and the specific type of bone cancer.

4. Blood tests: Blood tests may be conducted to check for specific markers that indicate the presence of certain types of bone cancers.

If bone cancer is confirmed, further tests may be done to determine the stage and extent of the cancer, which helps in planning the appropriate treatment.

It's important to note that bone pain or other symptoms can have various causes, and a proper medical evaluation by a healthcare professional is necessary for an accurate diagnosis.