Bone cancer can produce a variety of signs and symptoms. Common indicators of bone cancer include:

• Bone pain. Pain in the affected bone is the most common complaint of people with bone cancer. Initially, the pain is not constant. It may be worse at night or when the bone is used. As the cancer grows, the pain will become constant. The pain intensifies with activity and may result in a limp if a leg is involved.
  
  
• Swelling. Tumors that develop in or around joints may cause swelling or sensitivity in the affected area. Enlargement, however, may not occur for weeks. Depending on the site of the tumor, it may be possible to feel a lump or mass.

In cases in which the cancer has spread, patients may experience a variety of generalized symptoms which are common to many advancing cancers, including:

• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Anemia

In addition, spread of the cancer to the internal organs may cause a range of symptoms, including breathing difficulty, when the cancer spreads to the lungs. Bone cancer can also weaken bones, occasionally resulting in a fracture.

Symptoms of bone cancer may be overlooked because they may resemble symptoms of less serious conditions, such as injury or arthritis. Patients are encouraged to contact their physician when they experience these signs and symptoms for a long time, without explanation. The best strategy for early diagnosis of bone cancer is awareness of its signs and symptoms and awareness of any risk factors that an individual may have. The earlier the disease is diagnosed, the earlier treatment may begin.