Hip and back pain

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I am 68 and in remission from oesephageal cancer. Last scan in January was very positive with no sign of malignancy.  I do however have a 7mm nodule on my lung which although hasn't changed since the original PET scan in July 22 is being monitored... Since early March however I have had pain in my right hip, buttock and back. I did mention this to my consultant at my last telephone appointment in April and he said if it was anything it would show in scan. Before my actual scan i received a letter informing me that my next consultant appointment was July 23rd which seems a long time to wait for results.  Am I being overly concerned about the pains, should I try to get an earlier appointment or would hospital inform me before 23rd July if there was anything sinister on scan.

  • Hi  ,  

    Thanks for getting in touch with Macmillan Cancer Support and welcome to our Online Community. My name is Ellen and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists.

    It’s encouraging to read that your oesophageal cancer is in remission and that your lung nodule has remained unchanged. However, it’s not so good that you’re still having pain in your hip, buttock and back.

    We don’t think that you’re being overly concerned about the pains at all. We would always encourage anyone who has new, persistent, or worsening symptoms that they let their team know so that they can be properly assessed.

    It’s important that you call your team/ specialist nurse today and explain that you’re still in pain. If you have had your scan to ask if you can get the results.

    As nurses we can’t diagnose, but there is a rare condition called Malignant Spinal Cord Compression (MSCC).This can happen if a cancer grows in the bones of the spine or tissues around the spinal cord. This can cause a compression of the cord causing similar symptoms to the ones you have mentioned.

    I’m not suggesting that this is what is happening in your situation, as there are other non-cancerous reasons that can cause these symptoms too, but it’s important that this is ruled out.  

    We wouldn’t recommend you wait till your appointment in July for your results. Whilst you would expect that the hospital would contact you if there were anything sinister on your scan it’s always best to give them a call. At least this way you will have an indication of why you’re having this type of pain and get support with managing you pain.

    I do hope this information is helpful but please know that you can call one of our nurses to discuss things further.

    Take care and best wishes,

     Ellen M-Macmillan

    (Cancer Information Nurse Specialist)

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email

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