In solid tumors‚ such as breast cancer‚ there is the chance that the cancer will become advanced and spread to the bone. In advanced breast cancer‚ metastasis to the bone occurs in 65%-75% of patients. While this can be frightening‚ it may help you to understand how bone metastasis damages bones‚ the symptoms it may cause‚ as well as diagnosis procedures and treatment.
How Bone Metastases Damage Bone
Bone metastases wear away portions of bone‚ leaving small holes called osteolytic bone lesions. This wearing away process causes eroded bone to appear as circular‚ punched out areas. It leaves bones weak and fragile.
Bone metastases can also cause abnormal bone formation. Areas of new bone form‚ but they are weak and unstable and can break easily or collapse. These areas are called osteoblastic bone lesions.
Symptoms of Bone Metastases
Bone pain is usually the earliest symptom of bone metastases‚ so it’s important to pay attention to how your bones feel. Tell your doctor about any pain you feel‚ even if you think it might be due to some other problem‚ such as arthritis or stiffness from lack of activity‚ a muscle pull or strain. Sometimes‚ a fracture is the first sign of bone damage.
Bone fractures–As cancer weakens the bones‚ the risk of fractures increases. The ribs and spine are the most common sites of fractures. Long bone fractures are usually the most disabling.
Spinal cord compression–Cancer on your spine—or backbone—can put pressure on the spinal cord and cause intense back pain. Damage to the nerves in the spinal cord can eventually cause paralysis and changes in bladder and bowel functions.
Hypercalcemia–When bones release calcium into the bloodstream in amounts that are dangerous‚ hypercalcemia is the result. This condition may occur with bone metastases due to excessive bone loss. Symptoms of hypercalcemia include nausea‚ vomiting‚ heart palpitations‚ loss of appetite‚ depression‚ and fatigue
Be sure to talk to your doctor if you develop bone pain or notice any other symptoms that are unusual for you. Print questions you may wish to ask your doctor about cancer and bone health.
Diagnosis of Bone Metastases
Several procedures may be used to detect bone metastases. A bone scan—often the first method of checking for bone metastases—may be followed by other testing‚ including x-rays‚ magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or position emission tomography (PET) scans.
Treatment for Patients with Bone Metastases
ZOMETA is a treatment for patients with breast cancer that has spread to the bones. It may reduce or delay bone fractures or pressure on the spinal cord that can result from bone damage from advanced breast cancer. ZOMETA can also help patients who already have experienced bone complications. ZOMETA is not chemotherapy and may be used with other cancer treatments‚ such as radiation‚ hormonal therapy‚ or chemotherapy.
ZOMETA is a convenient 15-minute infusion given every 3 to 4 weeks in a doctor’s office or at a clinic.
Your doctor may decide that you can benefit from treatment with ZOMETA. Ask your doctor if they think ZOMETA may be right for you.
Ask your doctor about ZOMETA and see if ZOMETA may be right for you.
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