August is Bone Cancer Awareness Month

August is Bone Cancer Awareness Month

Bone cancer is uncommon and begins in a bone. This can begin is any bone in the body but it commonly affects the long bones that make up the arms and legs.

How often does bone cancer occur?

Bone cancer is rare. About 2,300 new cases of primary bone cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year.
What are the symptoms of bone cancer?

The most common symptom of bone cancer is pain but not all bone cancers cause pain. A bone tumor may cause a painless mass. Some people have dull, aching pain. And in some cases, minor injury causes a fracture near the tumor. Persistent or unusual pain or swelling in or near a bone can be caused by cancer. It is important to see a doctor to determine the cause.

How is bone cancer diagnosed?

To help diagnose bone cancer, the doctor also performs a physical examination and may order laboratory and other diagnostic tests. These tests may include the following: X-rays, bone scan, computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedure, positron emission tomography (PET) scan, an angiogram, a biopsy (removal of a tissue sample from the bone tumor) to determine whether cancer is present and blood tests may be performed.

Freed Chiropractic Clinic, Ally Wilson. August 26, 2016


Sources:
http://www.nylencancercenter.com
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