Resolved question:
I am a 51 year old woman suffering from health anxiety - I have a dull ache in my upper left arm which comes and goes and has been there for about 2 weeks . i am worried that I might have bone cancer. Please could you reassure me. Many thanks - I am otherwise fit slim and very healthy.
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Internal Medicine Specialist
Hello,
Welcome back to DoctorSpring.
Do you have any swelling (visible or non visible ) at that particular location ?
Does it pain on touch ?
Ever had this pain before 2 weeks at the particular location ?
You can reply as a followup
Thank you
There is no swelling or any thing visible and it does not hurt to touch - thank you and there has been no previous ache there that I remember - it is a full ache rather than pain
Thank you
With a pain of 2 weeks , with no swelling I would NOT suspect bone cancer or anything serious.
Bone pains are a common complaint which could be from a local trauma, a pulled muscle or a ligament strain. You can take a pain medication like Tylenol for the pain. Mild hot compress can also help.
Suppose if the pain last for more than 4 weeks or if there is a swelling you will need evaluation. A simple Xray will be good enough in that case. So let me know if the pain persists. This consult will be open so that you can get back to me anytime.
Thank you
Sorry just a quick follow up question am I right in thinking that even if there has been discomfort for more than two weeks it is still very unlikely to be bone cancer ? Thank you
Yes it is still very less likely to be bone cancer.
It is true that bone cancer can present as bone pain, but the probability is very rare.
Thank you
Feel free to ask followups