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Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director of Doctissimo)
On TikTok, Dr. Suraj Kukadia reveals the telltale signs of bone cancer. This doctor from the University of Cambridge decided to make this awareness video after being questioned by a patient. Explanations from Dr Gérald Kierzek, medical director of Doctissimo.
How to recognize bone cancer? A British doctor, Dr Suraj Kukadia, reveals the early signs of the disease in a TikTok video. When questioned, Dr Gérald Kierzek confirmed these elements and provided some additional details.
A cancer that particularly affects children
Bone cancers are often osteosarcomas. Quite rare, they generally occur in children and adolescents when they are growing up. They are often located at the knee, more precisely between the lower end of the femur and the upper end of the tibia. “Osteosarcoma affects around 100 new children per year in France. estimates the National Cancer Institute (InCa).
Another type of bone cancer is Ewing’s sarcoma. “It is the second most common type of bone cancer in children and adolescents. It is more often located on flat bones, particularly on the pelvis and ribs, but can also affect long bones. It mainly affects young people aged between 10 and 20 years old. Ewing’s sarcoma affects around 80 to 100 new patients per year in France. recalls the InCa website.
Persistent, intense, worsening pain
Depending on the location of bone cancer, it may take longer or shorter to become visible. Moreover, if it is located on a deep bone, it will only be palpable at an advanced stage. On the other hand, a symptom can be felt early: a “persistent, intense pain that increases over time“. Other possible symptoms are a swelling at the tumor and one bone is less hard and more tender than normal. THE fractures are also more frequent, because the bone is weakened by the disease.
Beware of nighttime pain that wakes you up
Questioned, Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of Doctissimo, confirms these elements and provides some additional details. “Persistent pain is indeed a symptom that should cause concern. But beyond that, any pain that wakes you up at night should prompt you to consult a doctor. This is an inflammatory pain that should not be ignored.” calls back the doctor.
“Any bumps should also be a reason to see a doctor, as this may reflect the growth of abnormal cells. Finally, joint stiffness or a spontaneous fracture, without shock or with minor trauma, should also be of concern. Without forgetting the more general signs that can be found in cancer, such as general fatigueunexplained fever or weightloss rapid and involuntary” he concludes.
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