A bone metastasis is a secondary malignant tumor in the bones. It is caused by the spread of cancer cells from another area of ​​the body. The development of bone metastases needs to be managed as early as possible.

Definition of bone metastasis

A metastasis is a cancerous development distant from the original tumor. Cancer cells break away from the primary tumor and colonize other tissues or organs. We speak of bone metastasis or skeletal metastasis when the bones are concerned.

Bone metastasis can be defined as a secondary malignant tumor in the bone. It is distinguished from bone cancer of primary or primary origin which, by definition, begins in the bones. Bone metastasis should be viewed as a complication of another cancer in the body.

Bone metastases can affect one or more bones. They can be seen in any bone of the skeleton. However, some bones are more frequently affected. Bone metastases are most commonly seen in the vertebrae (bones of the spine), ribs, hip bone, breastbone and skull.

The development of bone metastases affects bone health. As a reminder, a bone is a non-fixed tissue that is constantly reabsorbed and reformed. In bone cancer, this balance is disturbed. Bone metastasis can be characterized by:

• excessive formation of bone cells, which tends to make the bones too dense;
• excessive destruction of bone cells, which affects the structure of the bones and makes them brittle.

Causes of bone metastases

Bone metastases are cancerous foci secondary to a primary or primary focus. They can in particular be consecutive to the development of breast, prostate, lung, kidney or thyroid cancer. 

Diagnosis of bone metastasis

Faced with bone pain and the existence of primary cancer, a doctor may suspect the development of bone metastases. The diagnosis can be deepened and confirmed by:

• blood tests;
• medical imaging examinations;
• a biopsy (taking tissue for analysis).

People affected by bone metastasis

Bone metastases develop in people with primary or primary cancer in another area of ​​the body.

Bone pain

Pain in the bones is the most common sign of bone metastasis and is usually the first symptom you notice. The characteristics of the pain vary from case to case. She may be :

• continuous or intermittent;
• deaf or lively;
• localized or diffuse.

Bone pain tends to get worse overnight, and may be accompanied by swelling in the affected area.

Other possible signs

Bone pain can also be accompanied by other symptoms such as:

• loss of balance;
• weakness and numbness;
• fractures;
• digestive disorders (constipation, nausea);
• loss of appetite;
• intense thirst;
• a need to urinate frequently.

Support varies depending on the case. It depends in particular on the bones affected, the evolution of bone metastases and the condition of the person concerned. A distinction can be made between treatments aimed at controlling cancerous growth and treatments aimed at relieving symptoms caused by metastases.

Treatments for metastases

Several treatments can be considered to destroy cancer cells:

• radiotherapy, which consists of irradiating tumors;
• chemotherapy which relies on chemicals.

Support treatments

Several supportive treatments can be offered depending on the case:

• prescribing bisphosphonates or denosumab, drugs that slow down bone breakdown;
• prescribing pain medication such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioids;
• surgery for fractures or when the bone is too weak;
• bone cement to prevent a fracture and / or relieve the pain of a fracture.

Preventing bone metastases is first and foremost about limiting the risk of spreading primary cancer. For this, early detection and rapid management are essential.