Treatment

Paget's Disease Treatment

Specialist assessment, monitoring and treatment of Paget's disease of bone, helping manage symptoms, monitor disease activity and reduce the risk of long-term complications.

Paget's disease is a disorder of bone remodelling that can affect different parts of the skeleton. Some patients require treatment while others benefit from monitoring and specialist follow-up.

Overview

What is Paget's disease of bone?

Paget's disease is a condition that affects the normal process of bone renewal. Bone is broken down and rebuilt more rapidly than usual, leading to areas of enlarged, weakened or structurally abnormal bone.

A disorder of bone remodelling

The condition most commonly affects the pelvis, spine, skull, femur and tibia. Some patients experience symptoms while others are diagnosed following routine blood tests or imaging.

Individualised management

Treatment decisions depend on disease activity, symptoms, affected bones, blood test results and the risk of future complications.

When treatment helps

When specialist review may be useful

Not every patient with Paget's disease requires immediate treatment, but specialist review helps determine whether intervention or monitoring is most appropriate.

Common reasons for referral

  • New diagnosis of Paget's disease
  • Bone pain or discomfort
  • Raised alkaline phosphatase levels
  • Abnormal bone scans or X-rays
  • Monitoring of established disease

Potential concerns

  • Progressive disease activity
  • Risk of deformity
  • Joint problems near affected bone
  • Fracture risk in some cases
  • Need for specialist treatment planning
Assessment process

What the consultation may include

The aim is to understand the extent of disease activity, determine whether treatment is appropriate and develop a long-term monitoring plan.

1 Medical history review

Symptoms, previous investigations and family history are discussed.

2 Blood test assessment

Markers of bone turnover and disease activity are reviewed.

3 Imaging review

X-rays, bone scans and other investigations are assessed.

4 Treatment planning

A personalised management strategy is developed.

Treatment options

How Paget's disease may be managed

Treatment depends on disease activity, symptoms and the bones involved. Some patients require medication while others benefit from observation and regular monitoring.

Medical treatment

  • Bisphosphonate therapy where appropriate
  • Monitoring of treatment response
  • Assessment of disease activity
  • Management of symptoms
  • Review of associated bone health concerns

Long-term follow-up

  • Regular blood test monitoring
  • Imaging review where required
  • Assessment of progression
  • Monitoring for complications
  • Ongoing specialist advice
FAQs

Paget's disease treatment questions

Common questions about Paget's disease diagnosis, treatment and monitoring.

Does Paget's disease always require treatment?

No. Some patients are monitored without treatment, particularly if the disease is inactive and causing no symptoms.

Can Paget's disease cause pain?

Yes. Some patients experience bone pain, joint symptoms or discomfort related to affected areas of the skeleton.

How is disease activity monitored?

Blood tests, imaging and clinical review are commonly used to assess disease activity and treatment response.

Is Paget's disease cancer?

No. Paget's disease is a benign bone disorder, although specialist assessment helps monitor for complications and ensure appropriate management.

Appointments

Book a Paget's disease consultation

If you have Paget's disease of bone or have been referred following abnormal blood tests or imaging, please contact the office to arrange a specialist consultation.

Contact details

For private appointments and general enquiries, please contact Professor Keen's office.

Telephone 07432 028009
Clinics London, Bushey and Stanmore