“I thought I was suffering from sciatica, my pains actually hid cancer”

Jake Spencer thought of suffering from a simple sciatica When at 17, strong thigh pain appears. However. Meanwhile, after three long years of medical uncertainty, he learns that he suffers from a cancer rarethe sarcome synovialan aggressive tumor already extended to his lungs.

Today healed at 26, Jake shares his story to alert these deceptive symptoms. In addition, With the help of an expert, he explains how to recognize a cancer rare Behind apparently harmless pain.

Persistent geus pain. However, 941 days of medical wandering – "i thought i suffering sciatica,

For almost three years, Jake Spencer looked into a diagnosis of his pain deemed banal “i thought i suffering sciatica, by doctors. Nevertheless, In reality, he already fights against a sarcome synovial particularly aggressive. He thus testifies to the BBC: “It took me 941 days to be properly diagnosed. I consider myself very lucky to have survived.” Despite various unnecessary treatments, the pain worsens suddenly. “What 19 -year -old is collapsing in an alley because of pain due to orthopedic problems?”he questions today.

Finally, in 2018, an intervention reveals the terrible diagnosis. Jake says: “It was really terrifying. We would have thought it would happen to someone else. It was really hard to hear.” After two heavy operations, he still retains physical consequences, but above all psychological.

Cancer rare : Here are the symptoms to never ignore

Faced with these misleading pains, Dr. Gérald Kierzek, medical director at Doctissimo, calls for caution. According to him. some abnormal signs must imperatively alert: “Age: it is a little early to make sciatica at 17 years old; persistent pain, despite drug treatment; night pain, inflammatory type; motor disorders as a weakness felt in the member.”

Therefore, these symptoms should never be ignored. The doctor strongly advises: “If you are faced with one of these signs. you should not be satisfied with the simple diagnosis of sciatica and perform other exams.”

Late diagnosis of cancer rare : why ask for a second opinion is essential

For his part, Andy French, responsible for Sarcoma UK, insists on the urgency of improving the diagnosis of sarcome synovial. For him. there is no doubt: “It is essential that more doctors and nurses are aware of the possibility that it is a sarcoma.”

Finally, Jake Spencer concludes with precious advice, based on his difficult experience. He insists like this: “If you have a size. pain or something suspect, continue to consult your general practitioner or ask for a second opinion.” Because behind a pain that one believes banal can hide a cancer rarediscreet, but formidable.