What are the early signs of nasopharyngeal cancer spreading to the bones?

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma metastasizing to the bones may present early signs such as bone pain, compression symptoms, and pathological fractures, requiring further medical evaluation and treatment at a hospital.

1. Bone pain: When nasopharyngeal cancer spreads to the bones, it commonly causes severe bone pain, such as chest, back, or lower back pain. In severe cases, joint mobility may be affected, limiting daily activities.

2. Compression symptoms: If nasopharyngeal cancer metastasizes to the spine, it can destroy vertebral bodies and compress the spinal cord nerves, leading to impaired limb movement and restricted mobility. Metastasis to the legs may compress leg nerves, causing knee pain, affecting daily activities, and even resulting in paralysis.

3. Pathological fractures: After bone metastasis of nasopharyngeal cancer, even minor trauma may lead to pathological fractures. Moreover, the healing process after fracture is significantly delayed, and in some cases, non-union may occur.