This section about bone cancer is for teenagers and young adults. There are different types of bone cancer, and most of this information applies to all types. If you have a rare type of bone cancer and want to know more, you could talk to Macmillan.
If you’re looking for information about bone cancer in people of all ages, read our general bone cancer section.
Bone cancer symptoms vary, and not everyone will feel the same. Many symptoms are similar to everyday aches and pains, so they can be mistaken for other things, like strains, sports injuries or growing pains.
The main symptoms are:
pain or tenderness – this may start as an ache that doesn’t go away and may be made worse by exercise or feel worse at night
swelling around the affected area of bone – swelling may not show up until the tumour is quite large and it isn’t always possible to see or feel a lump if the affected bone is deep inside the body
reduced movement – if the bone tumour is near a joint (like an elbow or knee), it can make it harder to move the joint; if it’s in a leg bone, it may cause a limp; if it’s in the backbone (spine), it may press on nerves and cause tingling and numbness in the legs or arms
a broken bone – a bone may break suddenly, or after only a minor fall or accident if the bone has been weakened by cancer.
There might also be other symptoms including:
tiredness
a high temperature
loss of appetite
weight loss
If you have any of these symptoms, or you are worried that you may have a bone tumour, you should get it checked by your GP. They can talk to you about your symptoms, and arrange tests if they feel they’re needed.
Remember – most people with these symptoms won’t have bone cancer.