Neuromusculoskeletal (NMS) II Lecture Exam 2 Practice

Recognizing red flags for cancer in a patient with pain. When someone has a history of cancer, persistent pain that lasts despite changes in position, plus systemic signs like fever and weight loss, and pain that is worse at night, strongly suggests a malignant process such as metastasis rather than a benign musculoskeletal issue. Night pain that disrupts sleep is a classic warning sign, and systemic symptoms indicate the disease is affecting the body more broadly. These features together point toward cancer involvement and warrant prompt imaging and oncologic evaluation.

By contrast, pain that is mild and localized, or pain that improves with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or pain radiating down the leg that is relieved by lying down, fits more with benign mechanical or radicular conditions rather than cancer.