"Growth" is always welcomed if it moves in a positive direction. This was the actual purpose for which the Nature created the process of cell division. But again, something may defy Nature's law and abnormal cell division may result. This condition is known as cancer in medical terms. And it can build nests at any part of the human body including the bones or the skeleton, the fundamental support structure of bone and flesh. And the progression of bone cancer is likely to invite various complications like:
- Pain: It is a common complication and may denote the initial symptom of bone cancer. Periosteum, a thick membrane that covers bone, is a highly sensitive tissue. Damage or undue pressure on periosteum (a membrane that lines the outer surface of all bones, except at the joints of long bones) caused by bone metastases may result in pain. Bone pain can be so enfeebling that it compromises a person's ability to carry out normal daily activities. Bone pain due to cancer is hard to differentiate from other types of pains. The most notable difference is that pain due to bone metastasis is typically more constant, even at night.
- Bone Loss or Osteoporosis: Bone loss occurs when there is decreased calcification or reduced density of the bones. The result is weakened bones which are at an increased risk of fracture. Bone loss in the leg or hips can be a serious condition because these are the major weight-bearing bones and fractures in these areas are often debilitating.
- Hypercalcemia: An increased level of calcium in the bloodstream is referred to as hypercalcemia. It results from the destruction of bone associated with metastases. Experts at the American Cancer Society have opined that this may give birth to psychotic episodes in sufferers. Or, it may also reduce an individual's ability to concentrate or think clearly. Elevated calcium levels can make people to experience cramping. It can cause people to feel dizzy or it may also incite a feeling of being "passed out". Elevated calcium may also lead to constipation or kidney stones.
- Osteomyelyitis / Bone Infection: Patients undergoing bone cancer treatment are at an increased risk for bone infection. Osteomyelitis can be deadly if not treated on time.
- Bone Lesions: Bone metastases result in bone tissue injury. There are two types of lesions - lytic lesions, which destroy the bone material and the blastic lesion, which overfill the bone with cells beyond its capacity.
- Increased Susceptibility to Fracture: Bone cancer is one of the major causes of pathological fracture. As the cancer progresses, the affected bone becomes weaker and therefore, it becomes more susceptible to fractures. The change in bone density is the cause behind such increased vulnerability. It weakens the bones to such an extent that they may break with a minor injury.
- Metastasis: Bone cancer can spread to the other organs of the body. The malignant cells can spread through the blood and lymphatic systems. The lungs are the most susceptible organs to where the bone cancer spreads.
Complications Involved in Bone Cancer Treatments
Bone cancer is usually treated with multimodal treatment, a combination of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgeries (limb salvage procedures and endoprostheses), allograft, external beam irradiation and most recently, extracorporeal irradiation and the re-implantation procedure. But they also come with their side effects and health challenges.
Complications of Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is used to destroy the cancerous tissues. Side effects of radiation therapy include fatigue and skin irritation at the site of therapy.
Complications of Surgery
Complications of bone cancer surgery include amputation, shock, hemorrhage and wound infection.
Complications of Chemotherapy
Nausea and vomiting caused by intestinal problems, loss of hair, fatigue, anemia, loss of appetite and weight loss and soreness of the mouth are the complications associated with chemotherapy.
With all these complications associated with the disease and even with the possible courses of treatment, recovery and peace of mind may seem to be a distant goal to be achieved. But again, optimism and staying motivated hold the key to some degree of recovery.
