Paget's disease is a bone disease in which bones remodel faster than normal. This disease usually affects large bones such as the hip, spine, pelvis and long bones. Paget's disease is often asymptomatic and is diagnosed incidentally during a routine X-ray or bone scan. The symptoms and severity of Paget's disease can vary from person to person. Some people experience no symptoms at all, while others may experience significant pain or deformities. Paget's disease is diagnosed through medical imaging and tests such as bone scans, X-rays and blood tests.
Treatment may involve medication or sometimes surgery to relieve symptoms and maintain normal function of the bones. It is therefore important to be evaluated by a health professional if Paget's disease is suspected.
What Causes Paget's Disease?
The exact cause of Paget's disease is unknown, but it is thought to be based on the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. The causes of Paget's disease can be the following:
Genetic predisposition: Family history may increase the risk of the disease. It is thought that certain genetic factors may increase the likelihood of developing the disease.
Viral Infections: Some research suggests that viral infections may play a role in the development of the disease. However, this theory has not been conclusively proven.
Environmental Factors: It has been suggested that certain environmental factors (for example, certain chemicals or infections) may contribute to the development of the disease.
Immune System Abnormalities: It is thought that when the immune system reacts abnormally, it can lead to rapid remodeling of the bones.
What are the Symptoms of Paget's Disease?
The symptoms of Paget's disease can vary from person to person and some people may not experience any symptoms at all. However, if there are symptoms of the disease, they may include
Pain: Paget's disease can cause pain in the bones. The pain is usually felt in the affected area.
Deformities: The disease can cause the bones to grow abnormally. This can cause visible deformities, such as curvature of the legs.
Fractures: Weakened bones can become more prone to fractures. Especially serious fractures, such as a hip fracture, can increase the risk.
Headache or Hearing Loss: Paget's disease can affect the bones of the skull and cause headaches or hearing loss.
Joint Pain: The disease can cause joint pain in the affected areas.
Scalp Changes: Paget's disease can lead to changes in the scalp, such as warmth and redness.
Heart Failure: In rare cases, the disease can increase the risk of heart failure.
Urinary Problems: When the pelvic bone is affected, problems with urinary or fecal control can occur.
How is Paget's Disease Diagnosed?
Patients who consult a doctor with problems such as bone pain and curvature of the bones are first physically examined by a specialist doctor. During the examination, doctors can examine the patient's visible bone anomalies. Specialists can then use certain diagnostic methods to definitively diagnose Paget's disease. The main diagnostic methods commonly used to diagnose Paget's disease are:
X-rays: One of the common problems in people with Paget's disease is bone deformities. Deformities in the bones can be examined using imaging methods such as X-rays.
Laboratory Tests: Although elevated alkaline phosphatase levels are usually associated with liver diseases, they can also help the diagnostic process in bone diseases. For this reason, specialists may request laboratory tests by taking a blood sample from the patient when necessary.
Bone scan An important method used in the diagnosis of Paget's disease is bone scanning. During this examination, contrast material is administered intravenously and specialists can help determine which bones are affected and the stage of the disease.
Paget's Disease Treatment
Treatment of Paget's disease can vary depending on the severity of symptoms, the extent of the disease and the areas it affects. There is usually no treatment that completely cures Paget's disease, but there are several treatment options that are used to relieve symptoms, control bone deformities and prevent complications. Treatment is planned individually according to the condition and symptoms.
Treatment options for Paget's disease may include
Bisphosphonate Drugs: Bisphosphonates are medications commonly used to treat Paget's disease. These drugs slow down bone destruction and help maintain the normal structure of bones.
Pain Management: Pain medications can be used to relieve pain symptoms.
Correction of Bone Deformities: If the patient has severe deformities in the bones, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgery can be performed to reshape or straighten the bones.
Prevention of Complications: Paget's disease can lead to complications such as heart failure. Therefore, the patient's heart and kidney function should be checked regularly.
Regular Follow-up: Treated patients should be followed up regularly by their doctor. Tests such as bone scans and blood tests can be used to monitor the course of the disease.
Treatment may vary depending on the patient's health condition and the extent of the disease. Therefore, when Paget's disease is diagnosed, it is important to have a detailed discussion with a healthcare professional about treatment options and follow-up plan.