All about Paget's disease of the bone  causes of Paget's disease of the bone risk factors for Paget's disease of the bone complications of Paget's disease of the bone symptoms of Paget's disease of the bone diagnosis of Paget's disease treatment for Paget's disease of the bone |
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How is Paget's disease of the bone diagnosed?
Paget's disease is often found when an individual is having x rays taken for medical reasons unrelated to this bone disease. In rare instances, a doctor may recommend a bone biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and exclude other possibilities. In a bone biopsy, a small piece of bone is removed with a needle so it can be examined in a laboratory. A diagnosis of Paget's disease can also be made when higher than normal levels of a chemical called alkaline phosphatase are found in the blood. Alkaline phosphatase is a substance involved in the bone formation process, so if its levels are abnormally high this indicates that the balance between bone formation and resorption is upset. Sometimes the doctor will recommend an isotope bone scan. This is the most effective way of pinpointing where the Pagetic bone is and how active it is. A tiny dose of radioactive isotope (a radioactive substance which can be detected by the bone scan) is injected into a vein and then the whole skeleton is scanned several hours later. The radioactive material quickly passes out of the body in the urine. An isotope scan is important as it will show how many bones are affected by the disease. |
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More information on Paget's disease of the bone
What is Paget's disease of the bone? - Paget's disease of the bone is a chronic bone disorder in which bones become enlarged and deformed. Paget's disease causes abnormal bone growth.
What causes Paget's disease of the bone? - The exact cause of Paget's disease of the bone is unknown, but it is suggested to be due to a slow viral infection of bone and may include a heredity factor.
Risk factors for Paget's disease of the bone - Age and heredity are the only known risk factors for Paget's disease. Men and women are affected at similar rates.
Complications of Paget's disease of the bone - Complications of Paget's disease of the bone include osteoarthritis, fractures, nerve compression, heart failure, bone cancer (osteogenic sarcoma).
Symptoms of Paget's disease of the bone - Paget's disease usually produces no symptoms, although bone pain, bone enlargement, or bone deformity may occur.
How is Paget's disease of the bone diagnosed? - A diagnosis of Paget's disease can be made when higher than normal levels of a chemical called alkaline phosphatase are found in the blood.
What is the treatment for Paget's disease? - Paget's disease is most often treated with bisphosphonate drugs combined with additional drugs to lessen bone pain. |
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