Some patients may report increased warmth to an effected body site or pain in their bones or joints. Others may experience headaches or changes in vision or hearing. However, Paget's disease is frequently discovered by accident. Most patients are asymptomatic and are unaware that they have the disease until a radiograph reveals the disease in progress. Anyone can develop Paget's disease but it is usually seen in individuals over forty years of age.
Men are more likely to develop the disease than women.
Paget's disease is difficult to diagnose because it can disguise itself to look like other diseases. Often a radiograph is the first step taken to reveal Paget's disease. The x-ray will show the thickening of the bones, the increased bone density and destruction of the affected areas. For example, on an x-ray of an affected femur, bowing of the bone will be evident. Bone scans are also performed in conjunction with radiographs to show all affected areas of the body.