This article on bone cancer pain will shed some light on this dreaded disease and also provide detailed information about its treatment.

Bone cancer is one of the rarest cancers found in the US with less than 2000 cases registered every year. Just because it is rare, doesn't mean that it's easy to deal with. This condition occurs when cancerous cells are formed in the tissues of the bone. If it originates in the bone itself, then it's called primary bone cancer. If it spreads from other parts of the body to the bone, it is called secondary bone cancer. In the initial stages, the pain produces signs such as elevated heartbeat, grimacing on face, and rapid breathing.

The pain is classified as either acute or chronic. Tissue damage is the main cause of the former and it lasts for three months and sometimes even less than that. The latter is persistent and lasts for a longer time. As the condition may not be treatable, your nervous system gets adjusted to it, which may cause anxiety, insomnia, and depression.

Symptoms

Uneasiness and discomfort are the first and foremost symptoms in any patient. The patient feels it once a malignant growth forms in the bone, or spreads to your bones from other organs. It cannot be avoided but if you experience any of the following symptoms, immediate treatment is the best option.

Spinal Cord Compression
Each vertebra in your spinal cord is connected by ligaments which make up your entire spinal cord. If one of these gets affected by cancer, it may cause a serious nerve injury. If you experience frequent discomfort, loss of sensation. Medical help must be sought immediately.

Hypercalcemia
Hypercalcemia is a condition in which calcium level in blood rises. In some cases, blood calcium level suddenly rises, which causes a lot of complications. The symptoms of hypercalcemia include frequent urination, bone weakness and fatigue, poor appetite, and vomiting.

Pain Management

Every individual experiences pain differently. The level depends on many factors like the area and the stage of the cancer, your age, your threshold to bear it, and the strength of your immune system. In some cases, psychological factors such as fear can also increase the severity. Your doctors will inform you about the various techniques of managing the same. The aim of these techniques is not only relief, but also to help you feel normal in the course of your treatment. Pain management is handled through medications, behavioral techniques, emotional counseling, radiation therapy, and surgery.

Treatment

Depending on your overall health, a detailed prognosis will be made by your physician and medications will be prescribed to you. Some of the common drugs are:

Antibiotics
Your doctor may prescribe you some antibiotics either in the form of pills or IV. Always remember to complete the full course. Do not stop your antibiotics, once you feel better.

Anticonvulsants
These medicines are used to reduce the impact of the pain. These also decrease the threshold. Sometimes, anticonvulsants are used with other medicines too.

Antidepressants
These are mainly used to treat depression in adults. Antidepressants are prescribed to people affected by chronic fatigue and depression.

Bisphosphonates
Cancerous cells produce a substance called osteoclasts that dissolve or eat away a portion of your bone. Doctors, in such cases, prescribe bisphosphonates which prevent fracture, weakening, and destruction of the bone.

The treatments vary according to the person's health and immunity. The most important things are to provide emotional support and keep the patient happy.

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.