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Is back pain associated with cancer?

Back pain is common and usually related to an injury or muscle issue. But less commonly, it can also be a sign of a more serious medical condition, such as cancer. “Back pain isn't commonly a symptom we see before someone is diagnosed with cancer,” says Dr.

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Millions of people experience some type of back pain during their lifetime. Back pain is common and usually related to an injury or muscle issue. But less commonly, it can also be a sign of a more serious medical condition, such as cancer. “Back pain isn’t commonly a symptom we see before someone is diagnosed with cancer,” says Dr. Marilyn Norton, an oncologist and hematologist affiliated with Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center. “However, we often see patients ignore their back pain because they assume it is the same pain they have always had. Worsening back pain is a concern that should be brought to the attention of your physician.” When back pain is a symptom of cancer, it’s usually a side effect of treatment, such as chemotherapy, or because the cancer has spread — or metastasized — to another part of the body, typically the spine. A number of cancers can metastasize to the spine, including breast cancer, testicular cancer, colon cancer and lung cancer. In fact, approximately 25% of people with lung cancer report back pain as a symptom. This is because a tumor in the lungs can put pressure on the spine or can affect the nerves around the chest wall and spine.

Types of cancer-related pain

There are different types of back pain that cancer can cause:

Mechanical pain occurs when the cancer damages the structures of the spine, and it becomes unstable. This pain usually worsens when patients get up and move around, so treatment commonly involves wearing a brace or some other method of stabilizing the spine. Inflammatory pain is caused by the cancer itself, as most cancers release molecules that can cause irritation, inflammation and pain. Treatment is typically limited to treating the cancer itself. Radicular pain is nerve pain, which occurs when the cancer is pushing on a nerve in the spine. It can feel like an electric shock going down a limb or around the chest. Sciatica is the most well-known type. Radicular pain can be relieved by treating the tumor to stop it from compressing the nerve causing the pain. “Back pain is an issue for many of our patients under treatment,” says Dr. Norton. “There is physical therapy, medications and supportive devices, such as back braces, that we can use to help.” According to Dr. Norton, back pain should be treated with special attention when it lasts more than 6 weeks or is accompanied by:

Fever

Chills

Night sweats

Unexplained weight loss

Bowel issues

Bladder issues

While back pain as a symptom of cancer is rare, it is important to talk with your doctor about any changes you experience or anything causing you concern. For the news media: To speak with Dr. Norton for an upcoming story, please contact Erica Carlson, senior public relations specialist, at erica.carlson@sharp.com.

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Why would a lump not show up on ultrasound?

If the lump didn't show up on the U/S, then it implies that it has the same sound reflective properties as the surrounding tissue. By itself, this is somewhat reassuring but it leaves open the question of what the lump might actually be.

So after waiting 3 months for a fast track ultrasound I have finally been seen. My gp made a real mess of my referral and sent it off incorrectly Now it has completely thrown me as they could not detect the lump on the scan but yet the person scanning said it can clearly be felt. I asked if that meant I could stop worrying and he just said I advise an mri of the neck to see what’s going on. Surely if it hasn’t shown on the ultrasound it means it’s not cancer? Not sure if anyone has been in the same situation and can put my mind at ease. I’ve had/felt this lump since July and I just want answers but all I seem to get is more questions.

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