A member asked:

My mom has chronic bone pain in back, arm, chest, shoulders, neck, ribs, knees, hands. blood test = calcium deficiency. worried about it being cancer metastasis. but if she had cancer that metastasized, surely it would have shown up in blood test?

4 doctors weighed in across 3 answers

Cancer may, may not (probably not) show up in “blood tests.” If low calcium, may be due to endocrine (Parathyroid) problem or malnutrition. Needs to see an Endocrinologist.

Answered 4/23/2021

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Dr. Silviu Pasniciuc answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Imaging is usually needed to rule out metastatic cancer as no blood test can rule it out. It does sound that a systemic disease is causing the generalized pain, her treating doc remains your best reference.

Answered 4/24/2021

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Blood tests only pick a minority of tumors. It is not feasible to provide a meaningful opinion without additional history, physical examination and may be some imagining tests. It would be prudent to see a doctor. Wish you and your mom good health!

Answered 4/23/2021

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