Data shows that about 80% of people will experience back pain in their lives. Usually, this pain is caused by poor sitting posture or overuse of muscles.
What is less well understood, however, is that back pain can sometimes be a warning sign of latent cancer in the body.
Unusual back pain, which may be a hidden manifestation of cancer
The back is not only a concentration area for muscles and bones, but also a critical intersection of nerves and blood vessels. When there is an abnormality in the body, especially cancer, these areas are often the first to alarm.
Back pain caused by cancer tends to be constant, and symptoms get worse over time. The pain can spread to other parts of the body, such as the ribs, abdomen or legs.
Why does cancer cause back pain?
1. Tumor compression: In some cases, tumors that grow in the spine or nearby organs may compress the nerves or spine, causing pain.
2. Cancer bone metastases: Some types of cancer, such as breast and lung cancer, may metastasize to bones, causing bone pain or fractures.
3. Immune response: Cancer may trigger the body's immune response, causing inflammation and pain. This immune response may cause pain in the back.
Different types of cancer, related to back pain
1. Lung cancer
In mainland China, lung cancer is the most common malignancy.
Lung cancer usually begins with a cough, but as cancer cells spread to surrounding tissues, it can cause back pain, especially persistent back pain, which may be a sign that cancer cells have spread to tissues outside the chest wall.
2. Liver cancer
Liver cancer usually has an insidious onset and early symptoms are not obvious, and many patients are already in the middle and advanced stages when they are diagnosed.
When liver cancer progresses, it may invade the organs or tissues around the liver, causing pain in the right side of the back, which may be accompanied by other symptoms such as jaundice, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, etc.
3. Pancreatic cancer
The pancreas is located deep in the upper abdomen and is surrounded by organs such as the liver, gall bladder, intestines, stomach, and many blood vessels and nerves.
The typical symptom of pancreatic cancer is abdominal discomfort or pain, which may spread to the mid-upper abdomen or back as the disease progresses, and is usually constant and progressively worse, especially at night or when lying on your back.
4. Bone marrow cancer
Bone marrow cancer is a serious malignancy that originates in bone marrow cells and can affect the entire skeletal system.
The main symptom of bone marrow cancer is back pain, which may be intermittent at first, but as the condition worsens, the pain becomes persistent and worse, more pronounced with activity or pressure, and difficult to relieve with rest.
How can I tell the difference between common back pain and back pain caused by cancer?
1. The nature and duration of the pain
Ordinary back pain: often presents as a dull or aching ache that may be relieved by rest or with simple treatments. This type of pain is usually temporary and related to a specific activity or posture.
Cancer-related back pain: May be deep and persistent pain that is difficult to relieve with rest or changing posture. The pain may gradually worsen over time.
2. Concomitant symptoms
Ordinary back pain: may be accompanied by muscle tension, stiffness, or localized tenderness. Other symptoms are generally mild, such as a mild headache or fatigue.
Cancer-related back pain: may be accompanied by other symptoms such as weight loss, loss of appetite, persistent fever, and increased pain at night, which may be the body's response to cancer.
3. Response to treatment
Ordinary back pain: usually responds well to simple treatments such as heat, cold, massage, or over-the-counter analgesics.
Cancer-related back pain: does not respond well to conventional treatments and may require more potent analgesic medications or specialized cancer pain management.