Secondary Bone Cancer: Symptoms, Causes & What to Expect

When cancer spreads or metastasizes to the bones from a cancer site in another part of the body, it is considered secondary bone cancer. Primary bone cancer is a cancer that originates in the bones.

Symptom - Pain

• Chronic pain may be experienced in the afflicted area of the bone or bones.

Symptom - Fracture

• Weakened bones as a result of bone cancer often lead to fractures. The bones fracture due to the fragility of the bone and not as a result of an external factor or injury.

Symptom - Spinal Cord

• The spine is a common place for secondary bone cancer. Weakness and paralysis may be experienced due to pressure of the cancer on the spinal cord.

Symptom - Sickness

• Nausea, drowsiness, constipation, and confusion may often be caused by a raised level of calcium in the blood. Unexplained fatigue is also a symptom.

Symptom - Anemia

• As the cancer cells invade further into the bone, they interfere with the blood cell manufacturing capabilities of the bone marrow.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosis is made by performing radiological tests, x-rays, bone scan, skeletal survey, surgical biopsy, and blood tests.