What are symptoms of bone cancer?

Symptoms of bone cancer tend to develop slowly. They depend on the
type, location, and size of the tumor.
Pain is the most frequent symptom of bone cancer. Sometimes a firm,
slightly tender lump on the bone can be felt through the skin. In some
cases, bone cancer interferes with normal movements. Bone cancer can
also cause bones to break.
These symptoms are not sure signs of cancer. They may also be caused
by other, less serious problems. Individuals who are experiencing
symptoms should consult a doctor.
How is bone cancer diagnosed?

To diagnose bone cancer, the doctor asks about the patient's personal
and family medical history and does a complete physical exam. In
addition to checking the general signs of health, the doctor usually
orders blood tests and x-rays. X-rays can show the location, size, and
shape of a bone tumor. On x-rays, benign tumors usually look round and
smooth, with distinct edges. Bone cancers generally have odd shapes
and irregular edges.
If x-rays show that the tumor is possible cancer, some of the
following special tests may be done. These tests can also show whether
the cancer has begun to spread.
Bone scans outline the size, shape, and location of abnormal areas in
the bone. A small amount of radioactive material is injected into the
bloodstream. This material collects in the bones and is detected by a
special instrument called a scanner.
CT or CAT scan <http://www.medicinenet.com/script_/main/art.asp?
articlekey=315> is an x-ray procedure that gives detailed pictures of
cross-sections of the body. The pictures are created by a computer.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging  also creates detailed pictures of
cross-sections of the body. MRI uses a very strong magnet linked to a
computer.
Angiograms are special x-rays of the blood vessels. A dye that shows
up on x-rays is injected into the bloodstream so that the vessels can
be seen in detail. This test is also done to help plan surgery.
A biopsy is the only sure way to tell whether cancer is present.
Biopsies are best done at a hospital where doctors are experienced in
the diagnosis of bone cancers. The doctor removes a sample of tissue
from the bone tumor. A pathologist looks at the tissue under a
microscope. If cancer is found, the pathologist can tell the type of
sarcoma and whether it is likely to grow slowly or quickly.

If a diagnosis of bone cancer is made, it is important for the doctor
to know exactly where the cancer is located and whether it has spread
from its original location. This information is very important for
planning treatment. The results of

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