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, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and other solid tumors that have
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 still 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 more 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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