What is Paget’s Disease of the Bone (Osteitis Deformans)?

Paget’s disease of the bone is an uncommon, long-term condition that disrupts how your body repairs and replaces bone tissue. Normally, your body constantly breaks down old bone and builds new bone in its place. If you have Paget’s disease, this process happens too quickly and in a disorganized way. The new bone that grows back is often softer and weaker than normal bone. This makes the affected bones more likely to bend or break. If the disease occurs near a joint, it can also lead to arthritis.

Which bones are affected by Paget’s disease?

Paget’s disease can affect any bone in your body. However, it is most commonly found in the hips (pelvis), skull, spine, and the long bones of the legs, such as the thigh bone (femur) and the shin bone (tibia). It can affect just one single bone, which is called monostotic disease, or it can affect several bones at once, which is called polyostotic disease.

Who is at risk for Paget’s disease of the bone?

People who are over the age of 50 are the most likely group to develop this condition. It appears to affect men slightly more often than women.

Is Paget’s disease of the bone a form of cancer?

No, Paget’s disease is not cancer. It is a chronic condition that causes your bones to rebuild themselves too quickly, sometimes making them weaker or misshapen. However, in very rare cases (less than 1%), the long-term damage from Paget's disease can lead to a type of bone cancer called osteosarcoma.

Are there other types of Paget’s disease?

Yes, there are other conditions named Paget’s that are completely unrelated to bone disease. They include:

Paget’s disease of the breast: A rare type of breast cancer where cancer cells grow in or around the nipple.
Paget’s disease of the vulva: A very rare type of skin cancer that appears on the external female genitalia.

It is important to remember that these conditions are not connected to Paget’s disease of the bone.

What are the signs and symptoms of Paget’s disease?

Many people with Paget’s disease do not have any symptoms at all. They might feel perfectly fine, or the symptoms may be so mild they go unnoticed. When symptoms do occur, they can feel like arthritis. If left untreated, the condition usually gets worse very slowly.

Common signs and symptoms include:

Bone or joint pain: This is the most common symptom. If the disease is near a joint, it can cause Paget’s-related arthritis.
Bone deformities: In advanced cases, bones may change shape. This can result in an enlarged head, bowing of the legs or arms, or a curved spine.
Fractures: Since the new bone is weak, it can break much more easily than healthy bone.
Neurological issues: If the disease affects the skull or spine, it can press on nerves. This may cause headaches, tingling, or even hearing loss.

What causes Paget’s disease of the bone?

Doctors and scientists do not yet know the exact cause of this condition. Most experts believe it is caused by a combination of a person’s genetics (family history) and environmental factors, such as a past viral infection, though this has not been proven.

How do doctors diagnose Paget’s disease?

Most people do not have any symptoms. In many cases, Paget’s disease is discovered by accident during a routine blood test or an X-ray for an unrelated issue.

To confirm a diagnosis, your doctor may use the following tests:

Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) blood test: People with active Paget’s disease usually have high levels of this enzyme in their blood because their bones are turning over so quickly.
X-rays: Doctors use X-rays to look for the mosaic pattern of Paget’s bone. Affected bones look different and more distorted than healthy bones.
Bone scans: A doctor may order a bone scan to see how much of the skeleton is affected. A small amount of safe radioactive liquid is injected into a vein; it travels through the blood and highlights hot spots in the bone where the disease is active.

How is Paget’s disease of the bone treated?

The aim of treatment is to relieve pain and prevent the disease from getting worse.

Medication: The most common treatments are drugs called bisphosphonates, which help regulate bone growth. Zoledronic acid (Reclast®) is often considered the most effective. Sometimes, a single dose can keep the disease in check for many years.
Surgery: While medicine helps the bone itself, it cannot "un-bend" a bone that has already changed shape. Surgery may be needed to fix broken bones, replace a damaged hip or knee joint, or realign bones that have become severely deformed.

Can Paget’s disease be cured?

There is no permanent cure for Paget’s disease, but it can be managed very effectively. If you start treatment early, you can live a normal life and prevent major complications like hearing loss or severe bone break

What makes someone more likely to get this disease?

You cannot prevent Paget’s disease, but these factors increase your risk:

Age: Being over 50 years old.
Geography: Having ancestors from countries like England, Spain, or Italy. It is much rarer in Scandinavia or Asia.
Sex: Men are slightly more prone to it than women.
Family History: Paget’s disease often runs in families. If a parent or sibling has the condition, you have a greater chance of developing it yourself.

How can I take care of myself if I have Paget’s disease?

If your doctor prescribes medicine, it is vital to take it exactly as directed. Beyond medical treatment, you can support your bone health by:

Maintaining a healthy weight: Carrying extra weight puts more pressure on your joints and bones, which can increase pain.
Regular Exercise: Staying active keeps your joints flexible and your muscles strong. However, you should check with your doctor first, as some exercises might put too much stress on a weakened bone.
Nutrition: Ensure you get enough Calcium and Vitamin D. These are the building blocks of strong bone. Your doctor might suggest a supplement if you don't get enough from your diet.

When should I see a doctor?

You should see a doctor if you have persistent bone pain or if a routine blood test shows a high level of alkaline phosphatase. If an X-ray taken for another injury shows signs of bone changes, ask your doctor for a referral to a bone specialist.

Why choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Paget's Disease Treatment in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital offers advanced Paget's Disease treatment in Lucknow, India, at an affordable cost. We have a team of experienced orthopedic specialists and endocrinologists who provide accurate diagnosis with advanced imaging and bone metabolism testing, personalized medical care, and both medication and surgical treatment options. Our Orthopedics and Endocrinology team has decades of experience in successfully treating Paget's Disease in Lucknow, India.