Paget’s disease of bone

Diagnosis

Paget’s disease of the bone frequently has no symptoms or have minor symptoms, it is frequently discovered accidentally or by chance after healthcare providers have performed an X-ray or blood test for another reason.

• Physical examination: Healthcare provider will conduct an assessment to the body that cause pain.

Imaging test and blood test may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis of Paget’s disease of bone.

• Imaging tests: Changes in bone could be identified by:
  • X-rays: X-ray scans of the bones can reveal areas of bone breakdown, bone enlargement and disease-specific deformities, including the bowing of your long bones.
  • Bone scan: Healthcare professionals may perform bone scans to determine the severity of the disease and to see which bones are affected. A radioactive substance is safely injected into the vein during a bone scan. Once inside the bones, the substance causes portions of the bone affected by Paget’s disease to look “bright” on the scan images of the bones.
• Blood test: Elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase in the blood may indicate the presence of Paget’s disease of the bones, and this blood test is often the first indicator that prompts healthcare providers to consider a diagnosis of the condition.

Treatment

In cases where Paget’s disease of the bones is asymptomatic, treatment may not be necessary. However, if the condition is active and is affecting high-risk areas such as the skull or spine, indicated by an elevated alkaline phosphatase level, doctors may recommend treatment to prevent potential complications, even if the patient is not experiencing symptoms.

• Medications: The most popular form of treatment for Paget’s disease of the bones is osteoporosis medication, or bisphosphonates. Bisphosphonates can also be taken orally but are commonly administered via injection into a vein. Orally administered bisphosphonates are often well tolerated but can cause stomach discomfort.

Bisphosphonate therapy has been rarely associated with significant joint, bone, or muscular pain that may persist even after the drug is stopped. Moreover, bisphosphonates can raise the risk of a rare condition known as a section of jawbone die and deterioration, which is typically linked to current dental disease or oral surgery.

A calcitonin, a naturally occurring hormone involved in calcium control and bone metabolism, may be prescribed by a doctor if a patient cannot tolerate bisphosphonates. Patients can self-administer the medication calcitonin by injection or nasal spray. An injection site irritation, facial flushing, and nausea are possible side effects.

• Surgery: The complications of Paget’s disease of the bone may require surgery to correct or improve. Surgical procedures can correct deformed bones, replace damaged knees or hips joints, or help bone fractures heal more effectively.

Paget’s disease of the bones usually result in the body producing an excessive number of blood vessels in the damaged bones, raising the possibility of significant blood loss after surgery. If a patient with Paget’s disease of the bones is scheduled for surgery involving the affected bones, their healthcare provider may prescribe medication to reduce the activity of the condition. This can help prevent excessive blood loss during the procedure.