Bone cancer is relatively rare, comprising less than 1% of all cancers diagnosed each year in the United States. But for those who are part of that small percentage, receiving the diagnosis can be devastating.
July is Sarcoma and Bone Cancer Awareness Month. Cancer care is one of our specialties at Beacon Clinic in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. We provide cutting-edge care and support services for cancer patients and are committed to raising awareness for patients suffering from all types of cancer. As we focus on bone cancer this month, we are sharing information about how to recognize it and developments in treatment that can aid patients in defeating it.
Types of Bone Cancer
Bone cancer can begin in the bones (primary bone cancer) or spread from another cancer in the body, such as the breast, prostate, or lungs (metastatic bone cancer). Metastatic bone cancer is more common. As with all cancers, early recognition and treatment significantly improve outcomes. Bone cancer results from the emergence of abnormal bone cells that begin to grow uncontrollably. There are several types:
- Osteosarcoma: This cancer often develops in teens and young adults; it usually starts in the long bones of the arms or legs.
- Ewing sarcoma: This type of bone cancer typically affects children and young adults; it is usually found in the pelvis, chest wall, or legs.
- Chondrosarcoma: This type of bone cancer is found more commonly in adults over 40; it develops in cartilage cells, usually in the pelvis or shoulders.
Early Symptoms: What to Watch For
Bone cancer symptoms can be easy to dismiss at first. Pain or swelling in a limb often accompanies temporary and more easily remediated conditions like sports injuries or growing pains. However, when these symptoms persist or worsen and do not respond to conventional treatments like pain medicine, rest, or ice, they should be evaluated. Common signs of bone cancer can include:
- Persistent bone pain, often worse at night or during activity
- A lump or swelling near a bone or joint
- Fractures of brittle or weakened bones that can occur from even minimal impacts
- Constant fatigue that isn’t relieved by rest
- Unintended weight loss
If you experience any or all of these symptoms for more than a few weeks, especially without an identifiable cause, it’s worth getting checked. In particular, children and teens who seem to have growing pains that cannot be relieved with any therapies should be evaluated.
Diagnosing Bone Cancer
Bone cancers can be positively identified, and an accurate diagnosis typically involves a combination of:
- Physical exam
- X-rays or MRI scans
- Bone biopsy to confirm the presence of cancer and identify the type
Your primary care doctor will work with radiologists, pathologists, and oncologists to confirm the diagnosis. It is at this point that many patients come to Beacon Clinic, where we can provide support services, assistance in developing a treatment plan, and, in some cases, on-site treatment.
Advances in Treatment
Like many other cancer therapies, bone cancer treatments have come a long way over the past few decades. Today’s cancer treatments are more precise, less invasive, and increasingly more effective, and new medical technologies for cancer are constantly being researched and tested. The following treatments may be commonly recommended for patients with bone cancer, depending on the type and stage of the cancer and the patient’s overall physical condition.
1. Surgery
Surgery remains a cornerstone of treatment. In many cases, limb-sparing procedures can remove the cancer without amputation. Surgeons can also reconstruct bones using grafts or implants to preserve mobility and function.
2. Chemotherapy
Often used before or after surgery, chemotherapy can shrink tumors or kill remaining cancer cells. It’s especially effective for osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma.
3. Radiation Therapy
Targeted radiation can help control tumors, especially when surgery isn’t possible. Advances in radiation technology allow doctors to focus treatment precisely, minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
4. Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy
Newer drugs have been developed and continue to be developed that can target specific cancer cell mutations or help the immune system attack the cancer. These options are still evolving but show great promise, particularly for patients with advanced or resistant forms of bone cancer.
Living with Bone Cancer
At Beacon Clinic, we treat the whole person, not just the disease. Cancer impacts your physical, mental, and financial well-being. Our team specializes in providing personalized care and services, including access to physical therapy, pain management, and support services throughout your treatment and recovery. We also collaborate with regional cancer centers to ensure patients have access to emerging therapies and clinical trials.
If you or someone close to you—including children and teens—is experiencing unexplained bone pain, swelling, or fatigue that doesn’t improve, consider talking to a doctor to determine whether bone cancer may be the cause. Early detection provides you with more treatment options and better odds of recovery.
Receiving a cancer diagnosis is never easy, but you’re not alone. If you are diagnosed with any type of bone cancer, contact Beacon Clinic and schedule a consultation. We’ll guide you through the next steps with clarity, care, and the latest medical innovations, helping you understand what your options are and enabling you to develop a treatment plan that suits your preferences. We’ll be with you through every step of your cancer journey.
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True patient-centered care means aligning specialists, services, and support in one coordinated effort—and that’s exactly what Beacon Clinic is doing with our new Urology service. For the first time in our area, all Board-Certified experts in urologic cancers are practicing together in the same location, including urologists, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists. Patients facing prostate, kidney, bladder, or testicular cancer will benefit from an integrated approach that prioritizes collaboration and streamlines care. Call us at (208) 755-2804 or stop by 3815 N. Schreiber Way, Suite 101 in Coeur d’Alene to learn more.
Many people think cancer is primarily something to worry about when you’re older; however, some cancers are more likely to occur at a younger age. Testicular cancer is one of these. Though rare overall (fewer than 10,000 cases are diagnosed each year in the United States), it’s the most common type of cancer found in men ages 15 to 35.
Testicular cancer is highly treatable, especially when found early. However, being detected early requires one crucial step: noticing changes in the testicles. That’s where testicular self-exams come in, and why they are critical for men.
At Beacon Clinic, we have cancer care, rheumatology, and urology practices. As is true for so many health issues, and particularly for cancer, early detection is a critical factor in obtaining optimal outcomes. For testicular cancer, performing a quick self-check once a month can help catch it early. Testicular exams can also help detect other health conditions that are important to address.
The Self-Exam: It’s Worth Your Time
Just as women regularly perform breast self-exams, men should perform testicular self-exams about once per month. A testicular self-exam is simple and takes only about a minute. Ideally, you should perform the exam after a warm shower, when your skin is relaxed. Here’s how to perform a self-exam:
- Stand in front of a full-length mirror. Look for any swelling or changes in the size or shape of the testicles.
- Use both hands to examine each testicle. Gently roll each between your thumb and fingers.
- Feel for lumps, changes in firmness, or anything that wasn’t there before.
Knowing what’s normal for you makes it easier to notice when something’s off. In particular, men should look out for:
- A small lump or bump (often painless)
- A feeling of heaviness or aching in the scrotum
- Swelling or enlargement of a testicle
- A buildup of fluid in the scrotum that develops suddenly
- Breast tenderness or growth (rare, but possible due to hormonal changes)
Even if you find something, don’t panic. Most lumps aren’t cancer, but some are, and it’s not worth guessing. If something is irregular, make an appointment with your regular physician or with a urologist. The earlier testicular cancer is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat, and the outcomes are often excellent; testicular cancer has about a 99% cure rate when the cancer is localized to the testicles.
Other Problems Your Self-Exam Can Detect
While the goal is often to detect testicular cancer, a self-exam can also alert you to other potential issues:
- Hydrocele: A painless buildup of fluid around the testicle that causes swelling. It’s usually harmless but can be uncomfortable.
- Varicocele: Enlarged veins in the scrotum that can feel like a “bag of worms.” It can affect fertility in some men.
- Epididymitis: Inflammation of the epididymis, often due to infection. It may cause swelling, tenderness, or pain.
- Inguinal Hernia: A bulge in the groin or scrotum that may increase with lifting or straining. It occurs when part of the intestine pushes through a weak area of the abdominal wall.
- Testicular Torsion: A sudden, painful twisting of the spermatic cord that cuts off blood flow. This is a medical emergency; if not treated quickly, it can result in permanent damage.
Most of these conditions aren’t life-threatening but still need medical attention. And since many of them can feel similar, it’s important not to self-diagnose. If something feels off, get checked out by a doctor.
Who’s at Risk for Testicular Cancer?
Any man can develop testicular issues, whether it’s cancer, infection, or something else. But some men have a higher risk for testicular cancer, including those with:
- A family history of testicular cancer
- A previously undescended testicle
- A personal history of testicular cancer
- Certain genetic conditions
However, most cases occur in men with no known risk factors. That’s why regular self-exams are smart for all men, not just those in a risk group.
Beacon’s Urology Team Is Here to Help
At Beacon Clinic in Coeur d’Alene, our urology department works with men across all stages of life to manage their reproductive and urinary health. Whether you’re checking out a lump, dealing with pain, or just need some peace of mind, we’re here for you.
We know these topics aren’t always easy to confront, but self-exams are the best way to detect problems early. Taking one minute once a month to check your testicles could save you a lot of stress and, in some cases, even your life, so take the time to do a self-exam after your next shower. If you notice anything unusual or if you just want a check-up to be sure, contact Beacon Clinic to schedule a consultation. We’re here to help, answer your questions, and keep your health on track.
At Beacon Clinic in North Idaho, our healthcare mission doesn’t end when cancer treatment ends. As most cancer survivors know, with cancer, a “cure” is less an event than a process. For many cancers, “cures” are defined as reaching a five-year milestone after treatment without any cancer recurrence. Consequently, many patients remain under our care for follow-up appointments and tests long after their therapy has concluded.
As we honor National Cancer Survivor Month this June, Beacon Clinic recognizes the millions of individuals who have faced cancer and emerged on the other side. Surviving cancer is a profound victory, but it also marks the beginning of a new chapter, one that calls for healing, reflection, and restoration.
Cancer survivorship brings its own set of physical, emotional, and mental challenges. That’s why our team at Beacon Clinic is committed to helping survivors not just move forward, but truly thrive. Whether you’ve recently completed treatment or have been in remission for years, here are some essential tips and strategies to support your ongoing health and well-being.
1. Prioritize Follow-Up Care
Your care team continues to play a crucial role after treatment ends. Regular follow-up visits help monitor for signs of recurrence, manage any lingering side effects of the cancer or treatment, and address new health concerns. At Beacon Clinic, we help our patients develop personalized survivorship care plans that include:
- A schedule of follow-up appointments and screenings
- A summary of treatments received
- Guidance on managing late effects of treatment
- Coordinated follow-up with your primary care provider and treatment specialists
Staying engaged with your healthcare team ensures early detection and prompt management of any post-treatment issues. The goal is not to dwell on past cancer, but to focus on building the best life moving forward.
2. Rebuild Strength and Energy Gradually
Fatigue is one of the most common side effects of cancer treatment, and it can linger long after therapy concludes. It’s essential to be patient with your body and start slow when rebuilding physical stamina.
While you cannot do too much too fast, you should begin as soon as practical by incorporating light physical activities such as walking, stretching, or yoga into your daily routine. These exercises will improve blood circulation, elevate your mood, and help you develop more energy. Work with a physical therapist or oncology-trained fitness trainer to create a personalized exercise plan. Over time, you will find that gentle, consistent exercise can reduce fatigue, improve your sleep, help you regain confidence in your body, and give you a clearer idea of any limitations.
3. Nourish Your Body
Nutrition plays a critical role in health, but particularly in cancer recovery. After cancer treatment, your body needs the right fuel to repair, restore, and defend against future illness.
- Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods: plenty of vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
- Stay hydrated and limit processed foods, added sugars, and alcohol.
- If you struggle with appetite or digestion, ask your provider for a referral to a registered dietitian with oncology experience.
- A healthy, balanced diet supports your immune system, maintains muscle mass, and helps you feel your best.
4. Address Emotional and Mental Health
Cancer profoundly changes your life and can often alter your relationships with those around you. Given these changes, despite “winning” your cancer battle, it’s not unusual for cancer survivors to experience anxiety, depression, fear of recurrence, or even survivor’s guilt. Your emotional health is as important as physical recovery. Some avenues for dealing with the emotional toll:
- Consider talking with a professional counselor or joining a cancer support group where you can share your story with others who understand.
- Practice mindfulness, journaling, or meditation to process emotions and stay grounded.
- Don’t hesitate to seek advice or counseling from a mental health professional. Your feelings are valid, and support is available.
At Beacon Clinic, we recognize that whole-person care means addressing mental and emotional well-being as well as physiological care.
5. Reconnect with Purpose
After cancer, many survivors find themselves reevaluating their life priorities and seeking new direction and meaning. This is a powerful time for self-discovery, and there is nothing wrong with leaning into it:
- Reconnect with hobbies, interests, and relationships that bring you joy.
- Set small, meaningful goals that give you a sense of progress and purpose.
- Volunteer, advocate, or mentor others facing cancer; it can be a healing way to give back.
Embracing your survivorship journey can create a renewed sense of identity and empowerment.
6. Know That You Are Not Alone
One of the most important things to remember is that survivorship does not have to be navigated alone. At Beacon Clinic, we are proud to walk alongside our patients through every stage, from diagnosis and treatment to life after cancer. We offer ongoing support, education, and resources to help you manage your health and embrace your future. Whether you need help understanding your follow-up care, addressing lingering side effects, or simply talking through what’s next, we’re here for you.
Beacon Clinic: Supporting Survivors Every Step of the Way
National Cancer Survivor Month should be a time to celebrate life, resilience, and the strength of every individual who has faced cancer, but that does not signify that surviving cancer is easy. At Beacon Clinic, we are honored to care for survivors and committed to helping you live fully and vibrantly in your next chapter.
If you or a loved one is navigating life after cancer and needs support, guidance, or follow-up care, contact our team at Beacon Clinic today. Let us help you reclaim your health and thrive, not just survive.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a fairly common auto-immune disorder that primarily manifests itself in chronic inflammation of the joints. Like osteoarthritis, it usually presents as pain and stiffness in the joints. However, unlike osteoarthritis, having RA also significantly increases your risk of cardiovascular disease, including increasing the likelihood of suffering a heart attack or stroke. Understanding the connection between RA and heart conditions enables more effective management and improved quality of life for RA patients.
Beacon Clinic in North Idaho specializes in providing comprehensive treatment plans and support to patients who suffer from long-term conditions, including cancer and rheumatic conditions. If you have RA, we can help you develop a treatment plan that will address your enhanced risk of heart disease.
The Connection Between RA and Heart Disease
Studies are conclusive that individuals with RA face a considerably higher risk of heart failure compared to those without the condition.
This increased risk is not solely due to factors like hypertension or high cholesterol that are common in those with RA, although those play a factor. The systemic inflammation characteristic of RA likely plays a pivotal role, too, and various RA therapies and medications may also contribute to the risks.
The chronic inflammation experienced by RA patients contributes to atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in the arteries. This buildup can narrow and harden your arteries and restrict blood flow, heightening the likelihood of experiencing a cardiovascular event. RA-related inflammation can also damage the heart muscle and surrounding structures, compromising your heart’s function.
Impact of RA Medications on Heart Health
Managing RA usually involves using medications that can affect heart health:
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Commonly used to alleviate pain and reduce the inflammation of RA, NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen) may increase blood pressure and, with prolonged use, elevate the risk of heart disease.
- Corticosteroids: Effective in controlling inflammation, long-term use of corticosteroids can lead to weight gain, hypertension, and elevated blood sugar levels, all risk factors for heart disease.
- Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) and Biologics: These medications target specific parts of your immune system to reduce inflammation. Some studies suggest that certain DMARDs and biologics may actually lower, rather than raise, cardiovascular risk for RA patients by controlling systemic inflammation.
Strategies to Protect Heart Health in RA Patients
Given the intertwined nature of RA and cardiovascular health, as well as the risks and burdens associated with each, a comprehensive approach is essential:
- Effective RA Management: Appropriate medications and lifestyle modifications to control RA inflammation should be undertaken with the intent to reduce the burden on the cardiovascular system.
- Regular Cardiovascular Monitoring: Routine assessments, including blood pressure checks, lipid profiles, and heart function tests, should be performed to help in early detection and management of any cardiovascular issues that arise.
Lifestyle Modifications
While one cannot wholly divorce RA sufferers from the risk of cardiovascular disease, there are some fundamental lifestyle modifications that those with RA can undertake to lower their overall risk of heart disease, including:
- Diet: Adopting a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats will reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems.
- Exercise: Engaging in regular, moderate-intensity physical activity enhances cardiovascular fitness and overall well-being.
- Smoking Cessation: Eliminating tobacco use is paramount, as smoking exacerbates both RA symptoms and the risk of cardiovascular problems.
- Collaborative Care: Coordination between a patient’s rheumatologist, cardiologist, and primary care provider ensures a holistic approach to managing both RA and heart health.
Beacon Clinic: Your Partner for Comprehensive Care
Beacon Clinic recognizes the relationship between rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular health. Our multidisciplinary team is dedicated to providing integrated care that addresses rheumatic and cardiac concerns.
Our team will work with you to craft personalized treatment plans that consider the unique health profiles of each patient, as well as their preferences. One unique aspect of our clinic is that we provide comprehensive support and care, empowering patients by providing knowledge and resources to manage their health proactively, including nutritional advice and financial counseling.
Understanding the connection between rheumatoid arthritis and heart health is the first step in managing your overall health. If you have RA, we can help you craft a plan that regularly monitors your cardiovascular condition. Schedule an appointment at Beacon Clinic in Coeur d’Alene to develop a comprehensive care plan for managing your RA and cardiovascular health.
Beacon Clinic is pleased to announce the welcome addition of Dr. Ian Udell to our staff. Dr. Udell is an experienced, compassionate urologist with expertise in minimally invasive robotic surgery, particularly for prostate, bladder, and kidney cancer. He also specializes in the advanced treatment of erectile dysfunction, low testosterone, BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or enlarged prostate), low testosterone, male urinary leakage, and infertility.
Dr. Udell grew up in Idaho and Montana before attending medical school in Texas. He did his urology residency at the University of North Carolina and has been practicing since 2015. He is certified by the American Board of Urology and has a particular interest in laparoscopic and robotic surgery, prostate and kidney cancer treatment, and cancer survivorship. Beacon Clinic’s history of providing comprehensive care and supportive services to cancer patients in the region makes Dr. Udell, with his unique emphasis on working with oncology patients, the perfect fit for our team.
For the first time in North Idaho, an entire roster of Board-Certified specialists in urologic cancers will be on the same team, working together at Beacon Clinic. Patients with prostate, kidney, bladder, ureteral, testicular, and other forms of urologic cancers can see their urologist, medical oncologist, and radiation oncologist within the same practice.
Along with the array of supportive services offered by Beacon Clinic, the coordination of different disciplines within one clinic will enhance the ability of our healthcare providers to optimize communication and collaboration. Beacon Clinic’s unique model represents a new vision of genuine multidisciplinary care that will deliver the highest quality service and an unmatched patient experience for our urologic cancer patients.
Urology: Specialized Care for Urinary and Reproductive Health
In addition to cancer care, Dr. Udell will provide top-tier urology services to non-cancer patients, calling on the expertise he has developed over years of practice and professional enrichment. Urology focuses on diagnosing and treating disorders affecting the urinary system, including the bladder, kidneys, ureters, and urethra. Additionally, it addresses conditions related to the reproductive organs and the adrenal glands, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the genitourinary systems.
Urology addresses a wide array of conditions, both common and rare, including chronic urinary tract infections, urinary incontinence, hematuria (blood in the urine), painful bladder syndrome (interstitial cystitis), erectile dysfunction, kidney stones, pelvic organ prolapse, and congenital urinary tract anomalies. Patients who are experiencing symptoms such as difficulty with urination, erectile dysfunction, infertility, or other problems will be able to access care through Beacon Clinic’s urology practice.
Beacon Clinic continues to set the standard for helping patients manage every aspect of their care, particularly regarding health issues like cancer, rheumatic disorders, and other conditions that require long-term treatment or management. Coupled with Beacon’s recently announced partnership with OneOncology, the appointment of highly-qualified physicians like Dr. Udell to the staff makes Beacon Clinic an unrivaled leader in setting the standard of care for cancer patients in the Inland Northwest.
Beacon Clinic specializes in helping patients develop comprehensive care plans and is distinguished by its ability to offer its patients a variety of supportive services, from nutrition to financial counseling. Beacon Clinic is excited to welcome Dr. Udell and add urology to its broad spectrum of healthcare services. As it expands into additional fields, Beacon is poised to become the premier specialty healthcare service in North Idaho. For further information about Beacon Clinic’s services or to make an appointment with Dr. Udell, contact Beacon Clinic today.
