In cancer, skeletal metastases are secondary tumors that develop in one or more bones after a primary tumor has been diagnosed. A person’s risk of developing bone metastases depends on many factors. For instance, a person’s age, the type of cancer, and the number of bones affected all play an important role in determining the likelihood that a person will develop bone metastases.
The most common sites for bone metastases are the spine, ribs, and pelvis. People with bone metastases may experience pain, fractures, and loss of mobility. If a person has bone metastases, it’s important to keep them at a safe distance from other people and to keep their surroundings clean and free of chemicals and other substances that can cause problems.
Bone metastases can be treated in a variety of ways. Some treatment methods include surgery, radiation therapy, and targeted agents. However, some people can die of the disease before the cancer has been completely eliminated. Those with bone metastases that can’t be controlled with these therapies may consider alternative care to help them improve their quality of life.
Symptoms vary according to the types of bones affected, the size of the tumor, and the area where the cancer has spread. Common side effects include pain, bleeding, and wound infection. Patients are often given nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, narcotics, and acupuncture to treat these symptoms.
Pain is the most frequently reported symptom of bone metastases. It can be a sharp, dull, or constant pain. Pain is caused by the pressure of the cancer on nerves in the spine. Other symptoms include weakness and loss of balance. Sometimes, the pain can radiate into the arms and legs.
Other symptoms of bone metastases include hypercalcemia (increased blood calcium levels), constipation, and nausea. Blood tests may be performed to check for these signs. An alkaline phosphatase level in the blood can also be tested to determine whether the patient has a skeletal lesion. These symptoms can help the healthcare team identify bone metastases and plan the best treatments for the patient.
Using these diagnostic tools, the healthcare team can monitor changes in the cancer and watch for bone metastases. Many patients continue to have a good quality of life, even years after their diagnosis. Treatments for bone metastases can help to make these symptoms more manageable, and they can control the growth of the metastases.
Bone metastases are most commonly found in the ribs, pelvis, and femur. X-rays and CT scans can also be used to diagnose these metastases. MRIs are also sometimes used, especially if the CT scan results are unclear.
In general, people with metastatic breast cancer in their bones live a longer, more normal life than patients with breast cancer that hasn’t spread to the bone. Cancer can spread to any part of the body, including the bones. However, it is more likely that the cancer will spread to the bone than it is that the bone will become a tumor.
