What is bone metastasis?

Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA)

Sometimes, breast cancer becomes advanced and metastasizes (spreads) to other areas of the body. The bone is the most common site of spread from breast cancer. Bone metastasis can damage the bone, making it more prone to break or collapse, as well as result in bone pain and other side effects that can interfere with your daily activities.

To diagnose bone metastasis, your care team may use a variety of tests, including a bone scan. In a bone scan, a small dose of radioactive material is injected into a vein and travels through the bloodstream, where it then gathers in the bones and is detected by a scanner through nuclear imaging. Your doctor may also use other tests, such as X-Rays, MRIs and PET/CT scans, to monitor the effects of the metastases over time.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Musculoskeletal Cancers

Cancers of the musculoskeletal system affects our bodys muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, joints and cartilage. For unknown reasons, cells that help us form our muscles, bones and connective tissues become damaged, leading to several cancers of this system, which helps us move our bodies. Many of these diseases are more common in children than adults. Rhabdomyosarcoma (pronounced RAB-doh-MY-oh-sar-KOH-muh) causes cancerous tumors to develop in the head, neck, bladder and reproductive organs. The Ewing Family of Tumors (EFTs) cause rare cancers of the bone and soft tissues found in our arms, legs, head, neck and trunk. The most common type of bone cancer, osteosarcoma weakens the connective tissues and minerals that give our bones strength. Most musculoskeletal cancers are rare but can be difficult to treat. Early detection is key to improving your outcome. See your doctor if you or your child have a lump that grows or does not disappear, find blood in your urine or have bone pain.

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