Paget’s disease

What is Paget’s Disease?

Paget’s disease of bone is a chronic condition that disrupts the normal process of bone remodeling. In healthy bones, old tissue is broken down and replaced with new bone tissue to maintain strength and flexibility. In Paget’s disease, this process becomes abnormal: bones regenerate too quickly, leading to structural weaknesses. The newly formed bones are often larger, softer, and less resilient, increasing the risk of fractures.

 

This condition most commonly affects older adults and typically involves one or a few bones, such as the pelvis, spine, skull, or limbs. Although it progresses slowly, untreated Paget’s disease can lead to severe complications, including bone deformities and joint problems.

 

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Overview of Bone Diseases

Bone diseases encompass various conditions affecting bone structure, strength, and function. These include degenerative disorders like osteoporosis, which reduces bone density, and less common but impactful conditions such as Paget’s disease.

Paget’s disease is particularly significant because it not only disrupts the process of bone turnover but also alters bone structure and quality. As a result, affected bones become softer and more prone to fractures and deformities.

While many bone diseases can affect the entire skeletal system, Paget’s disease often targets specific bones. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complications.

 

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Causes of Paget’s Disease

The exact cause of Paget’s disease remains unclear, but research has identified several contributing factors, including genetic predisposition, environmental influences, and viral infections.

 

Common Causes:

• Genetic predisposition:
  Paget’s disease often runs in families, suggesting a genetic component. Individuals with a close relative, such as a parent or sibling, with Paget’s disease have a higher risk of developing the condition.

 

• Environmental factors:
  Certain geographical regions, such as Northern Europe, have higher rates of Paget’s disease, indicating that lifestyle or environmental exposures may play a role.

 

• Viral infections:
  Some researchers believe that viruses, such as paramyxoviruses, may contribute to Paget’s disease by triggering chronic immune responses that affect bone remodeling.

 

• Age and gender:
  Paget’s disease predominantly affects adults over 50 and is slightly more common in men than women. Natural slowing of bone regeneration processes with age may predispose individuals to the condition.

 

• Rare associations:
  In some cases, Paget’s disease has been linked to other chronic conditions, such as osteoporosis or metabolic disorders.

 

Given the complexity of these factors, seeking medical evaluation for suspected Paget’s disease is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

 

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Symptoms of Paget’s Disease

The symptoms of Paget’s disease can vary widely and are often absent in the early stages. When symptoms do appear, they typically develop gradually and may be mistaken for other bone or joint conditions.

 

Common Symptoms:

• Bone pain: The hallmark symptom, bone pain, can be constant or intermittent, caused by abnormal bone remodeling and resulting inflammation or deformities.

 

• Bone deformities: Advanced stages may lead to visible changes in bone shape, such as bowed legs or an enlarged skull.

 

• Fragile bones: Affected bones are weaker and more prone to fractures, particularly in the thigh bone, pelvis, or spine.

 

• Joint pain and stiffness: Bone deformities can increase stress on nearby joints, causing arthritis and limited mobility.

 

• Headache and hearing loss: If the skull is affected, increased pressure and nerve involvement can lead to headaches, hearing loss, or, in rare cases, vision problems.

 

• Spinal issues: Paget’s disease in the spine can cause back pain or nerve compression, leading to numbness or weakness in the limbs.

 

• Enlarged head or limb length discrepancies: Severe cases may result in a noticeably larger skull or changes in limb length, complicating movement.

 

• Fatigue and weakness: Chronic pain and joint problems can cause overall fatigue and reduced quality of life.

 

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When to See a Doctor

Seek medical attention if you experience persistent bone pain, joint stiffness, or unusual bone or joint changes. Early diagnosis is critical for preventing complications and initiating effective treatment. At Újbuda Medical Center, our experienced rheumatologists and diagnostic specialists use state-of-the-art methods to identify Paget’s disease and develop personalized treatment plans. Visit us in Budapest’s 11th district at Fehérvári út to prioritize your bone health!

 

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Diagnosing Paget’s Disease

Paget’s disease diagnosis often involves multiple methods, as the condition can be asymptomatic in its early stages. At Újbuda Medical Center, the following diagnostic approaches are utilized:

 

Diagnostic Steps:

• Medical history and physical examination:
  An initial evaluation includes questions about symptoms, family history, and risk factors. The doctor examines affected areas for pain, deformities, or limited mobility.

 

• X-rays:
  Paget’s disease is often detectable on X-rays, which reveal structural changes like bone thickening or deformities. This is the most common diagnostic tool.

 

• Blood tests:
  Measuring alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in the blood is key, as elevated ALP often indicates increased bone turnover associated with Paget’s disease. Additional tests may check calcium and Vitamin D levels.

 

• Bone scintigraphy:
  This specialized imaging test maps the entire skeleton to identify affected areas, especially useful for detecting multiple sites of disease.

 

• MRI or CT scans:
  In rare cases, detailed imaging is used to assess complications such as nerve compression or suspected tumors.

 

• Genetic testing:
  For individuals with a family history of Paget’s disease, genetic testing can determine susceptibility.

 

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Complications of Paget’s Disease

If left untreated, Paget’s disease can lead to severe complications, including:

• Joint stress and arthritis: Deformed bones place excess strain on joints, causing inflammation and reduced mobility.
• Nerve compression: Enlarged or misshapen bones can press on nerves, resulting in pain, numbness, or muscle weakness.
• Bone cancer: Rarely, Paget’s disease can lead to osteosarcoma, a life-threatening condition requiring immediate attention.
• Heart issues: Increased blood flow near affected bones can strain the heart, especially in individuals with pre-existing conditions.
• Fractures and deformities: Weakened bones are more likely to break, and significant deformities can impair movement and daily activities.

 

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Treatment for Paget’s Disease

While Paget’s disease cannot be completely cured, treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms, slowing disease progression, and preventing complications.

 

Common Treatments:

• Medications:
  Bisphosphonates are the primary treatment, reducing bone breakdown and pain while improving bone strength. For severe cases, calcitonin therapy may also be used.

 

• Surgical interventions:
  Surgery may be necessary for correcting deformities, stabilizing fractures, or relieving nerve compression caused by bone growth.

 

• Lifestyle and nutrition:
  A diet rich in calcium and Vitamin D supports bone health. Weight-bearing exercises can improve joint flexibility and reduce complication risks.

 

At Újbuda Medical Center, our specialists provide comprehensive care, tailoring treatment plans to each patient’s needs.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions About Paget’s Disease

What symptoms indicate Paget’s disease?
Common signs include persistent bone pain, deformities, or joint stiffness. Symptoms vary based on the affected bones.

 

How common is Paget’s disease?
Paget’s disease primarily affects older adults, especially those of Northern European descent, with genetic predisposition playing a significant role.

 

Is Paget’s disease curable?
While it cannot be fully cured, appropriate treatments can manage symptoms and slow disease progression.

 

How does Paget’s disease impact quality of life?
Without treatment, Paget’s disease can cause pain, mobility limitations, and severe complications, such as arthritis or fractures.

 

Why choose Újbuda Medical Center?
Located in Budapest’s 11th district on Fehérvári út, Újbuda Medical Center offers advanced diagnostics and personalized care for Paget’s disease and other musculoskeletal conditions. Our experienced rheumatologists and cutting-edge equipment ensure the best outcomes. Book an appointment today and take the first step toward healthier bones!

 

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