Pathologic fractures occur where a tumor, usually a cancer, has grown into a bone and weakened it. The weakened bones may fracture even with a slight injury or no injury. Symptoms and Diagnosis Pain is usually the most obvious symptom. It may be severe and usually worsens with time and movement. Touching the area around the broken bone is also painful.
Fractures usually cause swelling and bruising at the site.
Depending on the type of fracture, a broken limb may appear deformed. The limb may not function properly, so that moving an arm, standing on a leg, or gripping with a hand is impossible. Blood may leak from a fractured bone, sometimes in large amounts, into the surrounding tissue or out of the wound made by the injury. X-rays can usually detect a fracture. Once the bone has begun to heal, x-rays can be used to monitor healing.