Paget’s Disease
What is it?
Paget's disease is a disorder that causes abnormal
formation of bone tissue, resulting in enlarged, deformed
and weaker bones. Named for Sir James Paget, the disease
most commonly occurs in the spine, skull, pelvis, thighs
and lower legs.
Who gets it?
Paget's disease is usually diagnosed in people over 40
years of age and becomes more common as people get older.
The disease tends to run in families. In the Unites
States, it is found more frequently in the northern
states, with up to 3% of all people over 55 years of age
are affected with the disease.
What causes it?
While the exact cause of Paget's disease is unknown,
new research suggests it may be caused by a slow virus
infection that is present for many years before symptoms
appear.
What are the symptoms?
In mild cases, a person may not know they have Paget’s
disease because they have no symptoms. In more advance
cases, bone pain is the most common symptom with the pain
generally worsening at night. The patient may have joint
pain or stiffness if there is damage to the cartilage of
the joints, which may lead to arthritis. When Paget's
disease affects the skull or spine, it puts pressure on
nerves, which can cause headaches, hearing loss, neck
pain, or blindness. Increased head size, bowing of the
legs, or curvature of the spine may occur in advanced
cases. Fractures may happen spontaneously or be caused by
accidents, and healing is difficult because the bones are
weak.
How is it diagnosed?
Paget’s disease is often diagnosed when a patient is
having x-rays taken for a medical condition unrelated to
the disease. An x-ray will show increased bone density and
thickening, bowing and enlargement of the bones. A blood
test will further reveal high levels of alkaline
phospatase, a substance involved in the bone formation
process.
What is the treatment?
Paget's disease is most often treated with
Bisphosphonate drugs combined with additional drugs to
lessen bone pain. Bisphosphonates bind directly to bone
minerals and inhibit bone loss by reducing the action of
bone cells that normally degrade the bone. Various
surgical treatments can also be used to treat skeletal
conditions that occur in patients with Paget's disease.
Self-care tips
Unfortunately, there is no cure for Paget's disease.
However, drug therapy combined with exercise and proper
weight control will lessen symptoms and slow the progress
of the disease. The outlook for patients diagnosed with
Paget’s disease is generally good, especially if treatment
starts before major changes in the bones take place.
Symptoms progress slowly, and the disease generally does
not spread to normal bones.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
|
