We all have body aches and pains from time to time, be it from a grueling workout, a small fall, or just the wear and tear of life. Most of the time, these pains subside with rest or mild treatments, and we go on. But what if that nagging ache in your bone isn't "just an injury"? What if it's your body's way of telling you something much more sinister, a warning sign easily ignored?

Bone cancer is one of those hidden yet serious conditions that tends to cloak itself with frequent symptoms. Its beginnings can disguise themselves as anything from an athletic injury to arthritis, so it's intensely difficult to detect until it's quite far along. This stealthiness causes millions of people to unknowingly overlook vital symptoms, postponing detection and treatment.

Bone cancer is usually eclipsed by more common cancers, but its early diagnosis is a make-or-break issue. The problem is that it quietly develops and exhibits symptoms that look exactly like common injuries or orthopedic problems. What may begin as a nagging pain could really be the body's initial indication of something much more sinister. Being aware of these underappreciated signs and knowing the value of early diagnosis can alter the treatment course—and save lives.

How Bone Cancer Hurts More Than a Pain of an Injury

One of the greatest challenges with bone cancer is that its beginning signs are too readily confused with normal injuries.

• Ongoing pain
• Swollen areas around joints
• Pain that is believed to be a result of sports or daily activities

These tend to make individuals and sometimes physicians write off the issue as trivial. The discomfort is dull, sporadic, and does not necessarily affect movement right away, thus slowing down the urgent seeking of medical help.

Dr Samir Gupta, Surgical Oncologist, points to the importance of pain patterns. "Bone pain that isn't relieved by rest or regular painkillers, especially if it increases at night, should never be taken lightly. What may appear to be a minor injury may turn out to be an initial warning sign of bone cancer," he says. This nighttime rise in pain is an indication or red flag that is many times ignored.

Aside from pain, swelling around joints without apparent injury or trauma is also a sign of malignancy. Even fractures caused by low-impact incidents—something that would not otherwise crack bones—can be signs of cancer-caused bone weakening. However, these signs usually go undetected or are blamed on less severe conditions until the disease has advanced.

Why Early and Correct Diagnosis Is Critical?

Early diagnosis of bone cancer is not merely about finding it but doing so with accuracy and comprehensiveness. Advanced technologies for imaging, such as MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scans, have advanced the diagnostic process, enabling doctors to identify suspicious lesions with greater precision. It is not merely the removal of barriers to such technology that is required.

Expert opinion is key. Biopsies or misdiagnosis by nonspecialized personnel can drastically curtail treatment options. A botched biopsy, for instance, may disqualify the patient for limb-salvage procedures that attempt to save as much of the patient's limb as possible instead of resorting to amputation.

Multidisciplinary treatment including radiologists, surgical oncologists, pathologists, and medical oncologists is the need of the hour. This kind of integration guarantees that imaging, biopsy, and systemic treatment modalities are optimized to suit the patient's individual condition. In D. Y. Patil Hospital in Pune, a tertiary care center, this has resulted in improved survival and overall quality of life for patients through more successful, limb-sparing treatments.

Why Are Bone Cancer Patients Diagnosed Late?

One of the biggest challenges to bone cancer treatment is delayed access to specialist cancer centers. Although urban tertiary hospitals are well-endowed with good diagnostics and multidisciplinary expertise, a lot of patients do not get referred to specialists in time. The reasons are diverse—poverty of information, attribution of symptoms to benign conditions, or distance and cost.

This delay frequently results in patients seeking care with advanced disease, when the choices are fewer and the prognosis is poorer. Extensive bone destruction or metastasis has already taken place in many instances by the time patients come to specialized centers.

Closing this access gap involves system changes—not only in health infrastructure, but in education of the public. Individuals must appreciate that chronic or unexplained bone pain is not something to be ignored or waited out.

Promisingly, therapeutic and diagnostic advances are revolutionizing the prognosis for bone cancer patients. Limb-conserving surgeries are now much more possible, thanks to advanced imaging and refined surgical methods. Targeted systemic treatments and chemotherapy regimens specific to certain bone cancers have further increased survival rates.

Early detection is still the foundation of these advances. If detected early, treatment can be minimally invasive, more efficient, and greatly enhance patients' quality of life. This improvement emphasizes the need for vigilance—both by patients and healthcare professionals.

Bone Cancer Awareness is a timely reminder that ongoing bone pain and swelling should never be taken lightly. If you or someone you know has ongoing or unexplained bone pain, swelling around joints, or fractures from minor trauma, it's important to have evaluation beyond the general practitioner level. Orthopedic or oncology specialists have the training to pick out subtle warning signs and get appropriate tests started.

Bolstering public awareness and education initiatives can break the cycle of delayed diagnosis. No less vital is empowering the primary care physician to recognize such signs early and refer patients to specialists in a timely manner.

Bone cancer is uncommon, but the consequences are high. What might start as a seemingly harmless pain can be the initial sign of a critical illness. Early identification of symptoms, professional diagnosis, and coordinated treatment plans can be the difference between disability and health.

From chronic pain to a potentially life-saving diagnosis, the word is out: don't ignore the pain. Early detection saves lives, saves limbs, and gives patients their best hope at a healthy future. If your bone pain doesn't resolve or gets worse without good reason, seek out a specialist. Your bones could be saying something more than mere injury.

Dr Samir Gupta, Head of Surgical Oncology at Dr.D.Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Pimpri Pune in India

West Bengal is witnessing a Nipah virus outbreak, with five cases of the disease detected in just one week. In an age where information travels faster than verification, fear often fills the gaps left by facts. Each time the Nipah virus makes headlines, anxiety spikes, driven by rumors and alarming social media claims. Doctors say this reaction is understandable but unnecessary. Nipah is a serious illness, but it is not an uncontrollable mystery. Understanding what is true and what is not can help people stay cautious without slipping into panic.

Dr Satya Ranjan Sahu, Senior Consultant in Pulmonology at Narayana Hospital, Gurugram, explains that misinformation can sometimes be more dangerous than the virus itself. Here are some of the most common myths around Nipah virus, and what medical science actually says.

Myth 1: Nipah virus spreads easily through the air

Many people assume Nipah spreads like COVID-19 or seasonal flu. That is not accurate. Nipah does not spread through the air over long distances. Most infections occur after close contact with infected animals or through exposure to bodily fluids of an infected person, such as saliva or respiratory secretions, usually during caregiving. Human-to-human transmission is possible, but it typically requires prolonged and unprotected close contact.

Also Read: Nipah Virus Case Detected In Two Nurses From West Bengal

Myth 2: Getting infected always leads to death

The severity of Nipah has led to the belief that infection equals death. Doctors strongly refute this. While Nipah can be life-threatening, not every case is fatal. Many patients recover, especially when the infection is identified early and medical care begins promptly. Early diagnosis, hospital monitoring, and supportive treatment can significantly improve outcomes.

Myth 3: There is no treatment, so nothing can help

It is true that there is no specific antiviral drug approved to cure Nipah virus. However, this does not mean patients cannot be treated. Medical care focuses on managing symptoms, supporting breathing, maintaining hydration, and preventing complications. With proper hospital care, patients can be stabilised and supported through the illness. Calling Nipah untreatable often discourages people from seeking timely medical help, which can be dangerous.

Myth 4: Without a vaccine, prevention is impossible

The absence of a vaccine can make people feel helpless, but prevention does not depend on vaccines alone. Simple steps are highly effective. Maintaining good hygiene, avoiding contact with sick animals, using protective gear while caring for infected individuals, and following public health advisories all reduce risk. Doctors stress that informed and cautious behavior remains one of the strongest tools against Nipah.

Read: Unique Symptoms Of Nipah Virus Found In West Bengal And How Long Infection Now Last

Myth 5: All fruits are unsafe to eat

Fruit bats are natural carriers of the Nipah virus, which has led to widespread fear around fruit consumption. Doctors clarify that fruits are not automatically dangerous. Properly washed, peeled, and hygienically handled fruits are generally safe to eat. Most human infections have been linked to close contact with infected animals or people, not routine fruit consumption.

What doctors want people to remember

Nipah virus is serious, but it is not as easily spread or as hopeless as many believe. Early symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle pain, or vomiting, and in some cases progress to breathing or neurological problems. Seeking medical care at the first sign of symptoms can save lives. Health experts urge the public to rely on verified information from trusted medical sources and avoid spreading unconfirmed claims.

During outbreaks, calm awareness matters. Separating myths from medical facts allows communities to respond with care, responsibility, and confidence rather than fear.

As measles continues to spread across the United States, with recent case numbers climbing to their highest level in 33 years, growing numbers of Americans are becoming concerned about how at risk they may be.

Health officials in Philadelphia confirmed a potential measles exposure at Philadelphia International Airport and several public transport locations across the city in early January. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also flagged earlier measles outbreaks across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York City.

Adding to the concern, infectious disease tracker BMJGroup reported that measles cases recorded in 2025 are the highest seen since at least 1992.

Against this backdrop, it is important to understand whether measles can be fatal and to recognise the symptoms that should not be ignored.

Is Measles Deadly?

Yes, measles can be deadly and carries a significant risk of death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Measles can lead to serious health complications, including pneumonia, inflammation of the brain known as encephalitis, and death,” the CDC states. “Between one and three out of every 1,000 people infected with measles will die. Around one in five people with measles will require hospital care, and one in every 20 children with measles develops pneumonia, which is the leading cause of measles-related deaths in young children.

“One in every 1,000 people with measles will experience brain swelling, which can result in permanent brain damage.”

Measles Symptoms Develop In Three Stages

According to the Mayo Clinic, measles symptoms usually appear in three distinct stages.

Stage 1: Incubation period (10 to 14 days)

During this phase, there are typically no noticeable or warning symptoms.

Stage 2: Early symptoms begin

Symptoms at this stage may include a dry cough, fever, red and inflamed eyes known as conjunctivitis, a runny nose, and a sore throat.

Stage 3: Acute illness and rash

“In the third stage, a rash begins to develop, usually starting on the face. Small white spots called Koplik spots may appear inside the mouth two to three days after symptoms first appear,” the Mayo Clinic explains. “The measles rash typically shows up three to five days after the initial symptoms.

“Over the following days, the rash spreads to the arms, torso, and legs. Alongside the rash, fever often rises rapidly and can exceed 105 degrees Fahrenheit,” the guidance continues. “Eventually, the fever subsides, and the rash fades from the body starting at the head and moving downward.”

How Do You Treat Measles?

“If individuals aged six months or older are exposed to measles and do not have immunity from prior infection or vaccination, they can receive the measles vaccine within three days of contact with the virus,” the Mayo Clinic advises. “After vaccination, quarantine at home is not required.

“For children up to 11 months old who are exposed and are not immune, a dose of antibodies known as immune globulin can be given within six days of exposure to help the body fight the infection.”

Receiving this antibody treatment requires a 21-day quarantine period.

A notice has been issued for people who use the drug spironolactone. It is commonly prescribed for heart conditions, high blood pressure, and fluid retention. However, doctors say the medication is also used for several other health concerns.

According to the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD), spironolactone is prescribed “off licence” for women dealing with acne, female pattern hair loss, and hirsutism, a condition marked by excessive hair growth in areas such as the chin and upper lip. The NHS also states that spironolactone is a well-established and generally safe medicine that is sometimes used off licence to treat acne. Off licence means the drug is not officially approved for that specific condition under the UK prescribing licence.

Despite this, the NHS says spironolactone is available through the health service and is considered a useful alternative to long-term antibiotics. A study published in 2022 found that the drug is effective and safe for women who have persistent acne.

What Is Spironolactone?

Spironolactone, sold under the brand name Aldactone, is also used to help manage polycystic ovary syndrome, commonly known as PCOS. However, it is not usually prescribed to men for skin-related conditions.

While the medication can be helpful for many women, experts warn that it does come with side effects and certain dietary restrictions. Here is what patients should know before starting treatment.

How Does Spironolactone Work For Acne?

The NHS explains that spironolactone does not permanently cure acne, but it can help control breakouts and gradually clear the skin. The drug works slowly, meaning results are not immediate.

Most women begin to see improvement after about three months of use, but treatment usually needs to continue for at least six months. In some cases, it may take the full six months to experience the maximum benefit.

What Are The Side Effects Of Spironolactone?

For acne, spironolactone is usually prescribed at doses ranging from 50mg to 150mg per day. Many patients start with 50mg daily for the first month, depending on how well they tolerate the medication and whether any side effects appear.

If there are no concerning side effects and blood test results remain normal, a doctor may increase the dose to 100mg per day. NHS guidance says the tablets should be swallowed whole with water and taken after food.

Spironolactone Common Side Effects

• Sore or tender breasts
• Irregular periods, which may improve if combined with the contraceptive pill or a hormonal intrauterine device
• A drop in blood pressure when standing up, which can cause dizziness or light-headedness

Spironolactone Uncommon Side Effects

• Skin rashes
• Feeling drowsy
• Tiredness
• Headaches
• Reduced sex drive

Spironolactone Rare Side Effects

• Confusion
• Poor coordination
• Increased need to urinate, as spironolactone is a water tablet

Spironolactone Very Rare Side Effects

High potassium levels in the blood, especially in people over 45 or those with heart or kidney disease

Changes in kidney or liver blood tests, which usually return to normal if the dose is reduced or stopped

Cancer, which has been linked to very high doses in animal studies, but not seen in people taking standard doses.

The NHS advises that spironolactone should not be taken during pregnancy or while trying to conceive. It should also be avoided by people with Addison’s disease or serious kidney problems.

Alcohol can worsen certain side effects, such as dizziness, so cutting back on drinking is recommended. Reliable contraception should be used while taking spironolactone, and the combined contraceptive pill may help reduce side effects while also improving acne.

Spironolactone NHS Warning

Doctors advise that it is usually safe to try for a baby one month after stopping the medication. The NHS stresses the importance of informing your doctor about any other medicines you are taking before starting spironolactone. This includes ACE inhibitors, anti-inflammatory painkillers such as aspirin or ibuprofen, certain antibiotics, other diuretics, heart medications like digoxin, drugs for high blood pressure, and potassium supplements.

As per Mirror, people taking spironolactone are advised not to use low-sodium salt or salt substitutes such as Lo-Salt, as these products contain high levels of potassium. Using them alongside spironolactone can raise potassium levels to a dangerous range.

The NHS also recommends limiting foods and drinks high in potassium, including bananas, avocados, pulses, nuts, and salmon. A doctor or dietitian can help plan a low-potassium diet if needed.

Disclaimer:

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, including spironolactone.