Everything about causes, symptoms, and treatment methodsBone Metastasis
Bone metastasis occurs when cancer cells move from their original site to the bones. Almost all types of cancers can spread to bone, but some do so more commonly, especially breast andprostate cancer.This statement is true.
Bone metastasis can happen anywhere in the bones, but it is primarily found in the spine, pelvis, and hips. It may be the first sign of cancer or occur several years after cancer treatment.
Bone metastasis causes pain and fractures in the bones. In rare cases, treating cancer that has spread to the bones is possible. Treatments can help reduce pain and other symptoms of bone metastasis.
Symptoms of Metastasis and Bone Tumors
Sometimes, bone metastasis shows no signs or symptoms, but in some cases, it is accompanied by the symptoms mentioned in this section of healthSelMagz.We have mentioned:
- Bone pain
- Bone fractures
- Urinary incontinence
- Bowel control issues
- Weakness in extremities
- High calcium levels in the blood can cause vomiting,nausea, constipation,and confusion.
When should you see a doctor?
If you experience any of the above symptoms, make sure to see a doctor immediately. If you have been previously treated for cancer, inform your doctor about your medical history, medications, and present symptoms.
Causes of Bone Metastasis
Bone metastasis occurs when cancer cells move away from the primary tumor and spread to the bones.
Doctors are still unsure about the cause of metastasis, and it remains unclear why cancers spread to the bones instead of other parts of the body.
Risk factors
Any type of cancer can reach the bones, but the cancers that cause metastasis include the following:
- Breast cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Lung cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Thyroid cancerLymphoma
- Multiple tumors
- Diagnosis of Metastasis
Diagnostic imaging tests are used to identify the signs and symptoms of metastasis and can show bone metastasis. These tests can also display the current condition.
Diagnostic tests include:
X-ray examinations
- Bone scans
- CT scans
- MRI
- PET scans
- Treatment of Bone Tumors and Metastasis for Different Individuals
Treatments for bone metastasis include medications, radiation therapy, and surgery. Which treatment is most suitable for you depends on your current condition as determined by your doctor.
Medications used in bone metastasis include:
Bone-building medications:
These drugs help treat osteoporosis and strengthen your bones, reducing pain, and consequently decreasing the need for painkillers.
These medications also eliminate the risk of new bone metastasis. They are usually injected into a vein in your arm every few weeks. Oral forms of these drugs are also available but are generally not as effective as injectable types and can disrupt the digestive system.Chemotherapy:If cancer has spread to the bones, chemotherapy may be the best treatment option for you. Chemotherapy is a way to fight cancer cells and is an effective method for bone metastasis pain.
Hormone therapy:
Suppressing hormones in some cancers is considered a useful treatment. Breast and prostate cancers are often sensitive to hormone-blocking medications, which reduce the interaction between hormones and cancer.Painkillers:
These painkillers help control bone pain, often prescribed as ibuprofen or stronger alternatives like morphine. It takes time to determine a suitable painkiller for the patient’s condition, as doctors need to evaluate all factors.
Steroids:
Medications like steroids commonly help alleviate pain from bone metastasis and reduce swelling and inflammation around cancer sites. These steroids are different from those used by bodybuilders. Steroids help prevent complications from cancer, though they come with some side effects.
Targeted therapy:
For certain conditions, a new class of drugs called targeted therapies exists, which attack imbalances in cancer cells.
Surgery:
Surgical procedures for bone metastasis prevent fractures or repairs. Surgery ensures bone continuity, suitable for those whose bones are at risk of breaking.
The surgeon employs metal plates in this method, and after that, radiation therapy is usually used as a complementary treatment. Joint displacement is another factor that makes surgery a suitable treatment option.
Radiation therapy:
Radiation therapy helps kill cells. It is an option for painful bone metastasis. However, this method may have side effects depending on where the radiation is applied.
Heating or freezing cancer cells:
As mentioned in the health section of SelMagz, these procedures use heat or cold to kill cancer cells.
If one or two areas of your bone are affected by metastasis, this method may not be effective for you. The side effects of this treatment include damage to surrounding structures such as nerves and damage to bones, increasing the risk of fractures.
Clinical trials:
This method involves various tests to determine the best treatments for you. This is done in unclear cases, but treatment isn’t guaranteed and may have side effects.
Physical therapy:
Physical therapy enhances body strength and mobility. It may assist you with equipment and devices to move more easily and manage your pain.
Specialized walking aids like crutches and walkers can support your weight, help maintain your balance, and may offer you a specific exercise plan to sustain your strength and overcome physical pain.
A New Method for Treating Bone Metastasis
According to recent reports, a group of American specialists focused on bone metastasis and the relationship between cancer cells and bone cells, leading to an important discovery.
They stated that previous laboratory studies showed a molecule called Jagged1 allows breast cancer cells to infiltrate the bones, resulting in a condition known as bone metastasis.
The new study focused on whether blocking the Jagged1 molecule with a type of
antibody
called 15D11 could prevent it from metastasizing.
The results showed that when antibody 15D11 is used alongside chemotherapy, the treatment method is more effective.bone metastasisSymptoms of Bone Tumors
Cancers that cause bone metastasisCancers that lead to metastasisTreatment of Bone Tumors
Treatment of Bone Cancer
