Bone Metastasis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Bone metastasis occurs when cancer cells spread from their original (primary) site to the bones. It is a common complication in advanced stages of cancer and can significantly affect a patient’s quality of life. Cancers such as breast, prostate, lung, kidney, and thyroid are most commonly associated with bone metastases.
Understanding bone metastasis, its symptoms, diagnostic methods, and available treatments can help patients and caregivers manage the condition more effectively.
What Is Bone Metastasis?
Bone metastasis, also known as secondary bone cancer, is not a primary bone cancer. Instead, it develops when cancer cells travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system and settle in bone tissue. Once there, these cells interfere with normal bone remodeling, leading to weakened bones and other complications.
Bones most frequently affected include the spine, pelvis, ribs, skull, and long bones of the arms and legs.