Bone Metastasis

Cancer can sometimes spread to the bones. This is called bone metastasis. Essentially, cancer cells from a tumor in another part of the body travel to and grow within a bone.

Almost any kind of cancer can spread to the bones, but some are more prone to doing so than others. For example, breast cancer and prostate cancer often spread to the bones.

When cancer spreads to the bones, it can happen in any bone, but it's more common in the spine, hips, and upper leg bones. This spread might be the first sign of cancer, or it might happen a long time after treatment for the original cancer.

Bone metastasis can cause pain and weaken the bones, making them more likely to break. Unfortunately, once cancer has spread to the bones, it's usually not curable. However, medical treatments can help manage the pain and other symptoms associated with bone metastasis.

Sometimes, cancer spreading to the bones (called bone metastasis) doesn't cause any noticeable problems.

However, when symptoms do appear, they can include:

• Bone pain: This pain can range from a dull ache to sharp, intense pain. It might be worse at night or when you're resting.
• Broken bones (fractures): Cancer weakening the bones can make them more likely to break, even with minor falls or everyday activities.
• Trouble controlling your bladder (urinary incontinence): This happens when you lose control of your urine.
• Trouble controlling your bowels (bowel incontinence): This is when you lose control of your bowel movements.
• Weakness or numbness in your legs or arms: This can be a sign that the cancer is pressing on nerves or affecting the muscles.
• High levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia): This can cause several unpleasant symptoms, including:
  • Nausea and vomiting: Feeling sick to your stomach and throwing up.
  • Constipation: Difficulty having bowel movements.
  • Confusion or mental changes: Feeling disoriented or having problems with thinking clearly.

These symptoms can vary in severity and may not all appear at once. If you experience any of these, it's important to talk to your doctor right away.

If you're experiencing ongoing health problems that concern you, schedule a visit with your doctor.

If you've had cancer treatment in the past, be sure to tell your doctor about your medical history, including any current worries you have about your symptoms.

Cancer can sometimes spread to the bones. This happens when cancer cells from a primary tumor detach and travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to the bones. Once there, these cancer cells start to grow and multiply, forming new tumors in the bone.

Medical professionals don't fully understand why some cancers spread to the bones while others might spread to different parts of the body, like the liver. Exactly what triggers some cancers to spread and why they choose certain locations is still being researched.

Bone metastasis, where cancer spreads to the bones, can happen with various types of cancer. Some cancers are more prone to this spread than others. These include:

• Breast cancer: A common type of cancer affecting the breasts, it can sometimes spread to the bones.
• Kidney cancer: Cancer that starts in the kidneys can metastasize, or spread, to the bones.
• Lung cancer: Cancer originating in the lungs can often spread to other parts of the body, including the bones.
• Lymphoma: A type of blood cancer, lymphoma sometimes spreads to the bones.
• Multiple myeloma: This is a type of blood cancer that specifically affects plasma cells and has a high risk of spreading to bones.
• Prostate cancer: A common cancer in men, it can spread to bones.
• Thyroid cancer: Cancer in the thyroid gland can sometimes spread to the bones.

It's important to note that while these cancers are more frequently associated with bone metastasis, other types of cancer can also spread to the bones. If you have cancer, it's crucial to discuss the risks of bone metastasis with your doctor.

Doctors use imaging tests to look for signs of bone cancer spreading to other parts of the body. The specific tests needed depend on your individual situation and symptoms.

These tests can help find the problem:

• X-rays: These are simple pictures of the inside of your body. X-rays can show bone damage or changes that might suggest cancer spread. They are often a first step.

• Bone scan (also called bone scintigraphy): A bone scan uses a special dye and a camera to look at the entire skeleton. It can highlight areas of the bones that might be affected by cancer. This test is particularly helpful for finding spread to multiple areas.

• CT scan (Computed Tomography): A CT scan uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body. It can show the structure of the bones and surrounding tissues in more detail than an X-ray, helping to pinpoint the location and extent of any possible cancer spread.

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): An MRI uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of soft tissues and bones. This is valuable for looking at the bone and the surrounding soft tissues to see if cancer has spread, especially in complex areas.

• PET scan (Positron Emission Tomography): A PET scan uses a radioactive substance to show areas of high activity in the body. Cancer often has higher activity, so a PET scan can pinpoint areas where cancer might have spread. It's often used in conjunction with other scans to confirm findings.

• Biopsy: A biopsy is a procedure where a small piece of tissue is taken and examined under a microscope. This is the only way to definitively diagnose cancer. While not an imaging test, a biopsy is crucial for confirming the presence and type of cancer. If imaging shows a suspicious area, a biopsy is often needed for a definitive diagnosis.