MedicineNet.com

About Us | Privacy Policy | Site Map
February 10, 2012

Paget's Disease (cont.)

Medical Author:
Medical Editor:
Medical Editor:

How is Paget's disease diagnosed?

Paget's disease is diagnosed based on the X-ray appearance. Paget's disease might also be detected with other imaging tests, such as a bone scan, MRI scan, and CT scan. Alkaline phosphatase, an enzyme that comes from bone, is frequently elevated in the blood of people with Paget's disease as a result of the abnormal bone turnover of actively remodeling bone. This blood test is also referred to as the serum alkaline phosphatase (SAP) and is used to monitor the results of treatment of Paget's disease.

The bone scan is particularly helpful in determining the extent of the involvement of Paget's disease as it provides an image of the entire skeleton. Bone that is affected by Paget's disease can easily be identified with bone scanning images.

What is the treatment for Paget's disease?

The treatment of Paget's disease is directed toward controlling the disease activity and managing its complications. When Paget's disease causes no symptoms and blood testing shows that the level of serum alkaline phosphatase is normal or minimally elevated, no treatment may be necessary. Bone pain can require anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or pain-relieving medications. Bone deformity can require supports such as heel lifts or specialized footwear. Surgical operations may be necessary for damaged joints, fractures, severely deformed bones, or when nerves are being pinched by enlarged bone. Prior to undergoing an operation on bone affected by Paget's disease, it is helpful to be treated with medications, such as bisphosphonates or calcitonin (Miacalcin), as this tends to diminish the risk of surgical complications, including bleeding.

The medical treatment of the bone of Paget's disease involves either medications called bisphosphonates or injectable calcitonin. These drugs are also used to treat certain patients with osteoporosis. Bisphosphonates are the mainstay of treatment. There are a number of these available that are taken by mouth, including alendronate (Fosamax), risedronate (Actonel), etidronate (Didronel), and tiludronate (Skelid), and that are administered intravenously, including pamidronate (Aredia) and zoledronate (Reclast). In general, oral bisphosphonates are taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach with 8 ounces of water. They can cause irritation of the stomach and esophagus. Intravenous bisphosphonates can cause temporary muscle and joint pain but are not associated with irritation of the stomach or esophagus.


Patient Discussions

Viewers share their comments

Paget's Disease - Symptoms Question: The symptoms of Paget's disease vary from patient to patient. What were the symptoms at the onset of your disease?

MedicineNet Doctors

Suggested Reading on Paget's Disease by Our Doctors

  • Related Diseases & Conditions

    • Congestive Heart Failure
      • Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition in which the heart's function as a pump is inadequate to meet the body's needs. A poor blood supply resulting from congestive heart failure may cause the body's organ systems to fail, leading to a weakened heart muscle and fluid accumulation in the lungs and body tissue. There are many diseases that can impair pumping efficiency and symptoms of congestive heart failure including fatigue, diminished exercise capacity, shortness of breath, and swelling. Treatments include lifestyle modifications, medications, heart transplant, and therapy.
    • Headache
      • Headaches can be divided into two categories: primary headaches and secondary headaches. Migraine headaches, tension headaches, and cluster headaches are considered primary headaches. Secondary headaches are caused by disease. Headache symptoms vary with the headache type. Over-the-counter pain relievers provide short-term relief for most headaches.
    • Arthritis
      • Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints. When joints are inflamed they can develop stiffness, warmth, swelling, redness and pain. There are over 100 types of arthritis including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus, gout, and pseudogout.
    • Fracture
      • Fractures occur when bone cannot withstand the outside forces applied to the bone. Fractures can be open or closed. Types of fractures include: greenstick, spiral, comminuted, transverse, compound, or vertebral compression. Common fractures include: stress fracture, compression fracture, rib fracture, and skull fracture. Treatment depends upon the type of fracture.
    • Paget's Disease of the Nipple
    • Cauda Equina Syndrome
      • Cauda equina syndrome is a medical emergency condition that is caused by the uncommon compression of the nerves at the end of the spinal cord. Symptoms of cauda equina syndrome include lower back pain, tingling and/or numbness in the buttocks and lower extremities, bowel or bladder incontinence, and weakness in the legs. Causes of cauda equina syndrome include herniated discs, hematomas, or infection. Treatment is generally prompt surgery.
    • Blindness
      • Blindness is the state of being sightless. Causes of blindness include macular degeneration, stroke, cataract, glaucoma, infection and trauma. Symptoms and signs may include eye pain, eye discharge, or the cornea or pupil turning white. Treatment of blindness depends upon the cause of the blindness.
    • Deafness, Hearing Loss
      • Hearing loss (deafness) may be present at birth or it may manifest later in life. Deafness may be genetic or due to damage from noise. Treatment of deafness depends upon its cause.
  • Medications

  • Procedures & Tests

  • Pictures, Images & Illustrations

  • Doctor's & Expert's Views

  • Health News

  • Health Features

Healthy Bones

Get tips and advances in treatment.



Symptom Checker: Your Guide to Symptoms & Signs: Pinpoint Your Pain








Paget's Disease Related Supplements


Use Pill Finder Find it Now

Pill Identifier on RxList

  • quick,
    easy,
    pill identification

Find a Local Pharmacy

  • including
    24 hour
    pharmacies