Bone Cancer Symptom Guide

Weakened Bones

Some bone cancer patients present with weakened bones as a result of their malignancy. Healthy bone is consistently being broken down by specialized cells in the bone called osteoclasts, and other specialized cells called osteoblasts rebuild it. In order to maintain optimal bone strength and health, both processes are carefully calibrated and coordinated with each other. However, individuals with bone cancer experience an interruption in this healthy balance. Disruption of the osteoblast and osteoclast action balance can result in the breakdown of more bone than the body is able to replace. With bone loss, there is reduced density and calcification of the bones. The decrease in these characteristics causes the bones to become weaker than normal. Often times, the symptom of weakened bones will not be apparent until the patient experiences a fracture in the affected bone. An initial fracture due to weak bones is caused by minimal impact or a simple fall. Healthy bones are able to withstand considerable forces of impact, where weakened or low-density bones will fracture with from a simple bump.

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