Bone metastasis  is when cancerous cells that form anywhere in the body settle in the bone and form a new cell. Many types of cancer can spread and settle in the bone at this point. In particular, it is more common for breast and prostate cancer cells to spread to the bone. Rarer cancers with less potential to spread to the bones are lung cancer, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, thyroid cancer, and colorectal cancer. This disease, which is common in many people, causes some problems. Bone metastasis, which directly affects the bones in the body, is a treatable disease. Therefore, treatment is determined and applied according to the number of metastases and the health status of the patient.

What Is It?

The disease that occurs when cancer cells from the  primary tumor  settle in the bone is called bone metastasis. Many types of cancer, especially prostate and breast cancer, can settle in the bones. Furthermore, this disease can be seen in any bone type. However, the most common bones are the pelvis, spine, and femur. The main reason why it is seen in these bones is that they are the places where the bone marrow is active. This disease is caused by cancer and is therefore related to cancer. In addition, bone metastasis is likely to occur after cancer treatment. This disease causes many abnormalities in the bones and is characterized by symptoms. Some symptoms indicate bone metastasis, which requires treatment.

Symptoms Of Bone Metastasis

Bone metastasis, which occurs when cancer cells spread to the bone, is characterized by some symptoms. If left unchecked, it will, in some cases, not show symptoms. However, the most common symptoms include  bone pain and fractures.  Other possible symptoms of bone metastasis are the following:

• Spinal cord compression
•  Urinary incontinence
• Hypercalcemia (nausea, excessive thirst, loss of appetite, fatigue)
•  Weakness in the legs and arms
• Bowel incontinence
• Confusion
• Numbness
• Paralysis

If you experience these symptoms for a long time, you should consult a doctor. Especially if you have had a history of cancer in the past, you may experience these symptoms. As a result, you should see a doctor as soon as possible to find out the outcome.  Treatment of bone metastasis  can help alleviate these symptoms.

Causes Of Bone Metastasis

The most important cause of bone metastasis  is the spread and localization of cancer cells in the bone. This is usually because they are located close to the bone marrow. Cancer cells hide in bones close to the bone marrow to avoid treatment. This results in the development of new tumors. Furthermore, bone metastasis can occur in stage 4 cancer. Therefore, there is a  ‘vicious cycle of self-renewal’  due to these cells multiplying in the bone. Bone metastasis, which cannot be completely cured, can be alleviated with some treatment methods.

Treatment For Bone Metastasis

If some important  symptoms of bone metastasis  have been present for a long time, you should consult a doctor. Before starting treatment, the doctor will make a diagnosis and appropriately start the treatment process. For this, the doctor will carry out a thorough physical examination of the patient with suspected bone metastases.  Blood tests, X-rays, and bone scans  will also be required. It is also important for the doctor to take a biopsy of the tissue to confirm the diagnosis. After all these diagnostic methods are performed, the treatment method is determined according to the results. There are many  treatment methods for bone metastasis.  To summarize, drug therapy, surgical treatment, radiation therapy, and physical therapy are applied to this disease. These treatment methods are also divided among themselves and applied in different ways. The methods used in bone metastasis drug treatment are detailed below:

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy, a treatment method that fights cancer cells, is also used in bone metastasis. This treatment method, which is applied when cancer cells spread to many bones, can be administered by pill or intravenously. With this treatment method, the pain of bone metastasis will also be alleviated.

Bone-building drugs: Bone-building drugs that strengthen bones and reduce pain can also be used to treat bone metastasis. These medicines, which are used to treat osteoporosis, offer an effective solution  by preventing the formation of new bone metastasis.  These medicines, which are usually given by injection or intravenously, can be used for as long as the doctor prescribes.

Pain medication: Pain caused by bone metastasis can be treated with painkillers. The doctor should determine the appropriate dosage of painkillers for his or her patients. 

Intravenous radiation: Intravenous radiation is one of the treatment modalities for multiple bone metastasis. The  radiopharmaceutical,  which releases radiation at the sites of bone metastasis, enters the body through a vein. This is a very powerful treatment that relieves pain. Therefore, it is applied to patients with advanced bone metastasis.

Steroids: Steroids are a type of medicine that reduces the symptoms of bone metastasis. This treatment method, which reduces swelling and pain in the bone area, also prevents cancer complications. A powerful and effective drug, it should be used carefully according to the doctor’s instructions.

Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy is used to prevent cancer cells from growing and multiplying. It is especially  effective in breast and prostate cancers,  especially when the formation of these cancers affects bone metastasis. 

Treatment for bone metastasis is not limited to medication. Surgery, external radiation therapy, and physical therapy can also be used for this disease. The effect of surgical treatment on this disease is detailed below:

A bone that is at risk of fracture or bone metastasis that has broken must be repaired. Surgical interventions allow for this. Surgery can take many forms. Nails, screws, and metal plates are used to stabilize the bone at risk of fracture.  To treat broken or damaged bones  caused by bone metastasis, surgery is performed with an injection of bone cement. Therefore, the main purpose of surgery for bone metastasis is to repair and strengthen the bone that is broken or at risk of breaking.

Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy is a treatment for bone metastasis when drug therapy does not work.  Cancer cells are killed by X-rays,  relieving bone pain and preventing the formation of new cells. This treatment method is applied depending on the number of bone metastasis and the general health status of the patient.

Physical therapy: Another treatment for bone metastasis is physical therapy. After other treatment methods, physical therapy is recommended  to strengthen the bone structure and be able to move healthily.  Exercises may be recommended, as well as crutches, canes, and similar supports, depending on the patient’s mobility.

As a result, bone metastasis is characterized as a disease that occurs due to cancer cells. This disease, which is caused by the effects of more than one type of cancer, manifests itself with bone pain. There is no single cause, as it is possible to occur due to various reasons. Since there is no complete recovery, some treatment methods prevent the proliferation of bone metastases and alleviate the symptoms. The most effective treatments are  chemotherapy, hormone therapies, and immunotherapies. These treatments are determined according to the patient’s general health and the number of metastases. As a result, the symptoms of bone metastasis are alleviated during treatment, and the life expectancy of the patient is prolonged.