Bone metastasis is the result of cancer spreading to your bones. According to the University of Florida, bone metastases are the most common of all metastases. This condition can be very painful and can cause weakness and instability in the bone, or bones, affected. This weakness may lead to fractures, as your bones will be more brittle and less pliable than they were prior to the cancer. The symptoms of bone metastasis are often vague and can mirror symptoms that are already present. If you believe you have any of these signs of bone metastasis, talk with your doctor and discuss your concerns.
Pain
Probably the most common symptom of bone cancer is pain. This symptom is experienced by approximately 70 percent of bone cancer patients, according to BoneTumor.org. This pain is often described as a deep, constant or severe ache. If you are already on pain medications, then the pain may be somewhat generalized or even subdued in nature. However, in most cases bone cancer pain will be highly localized, meaning that where you feel the pain is where the cancer has invaded. Anytime you note a change in the nature of your pain, this warrants further medical examination.
Fractures
When cancer spreads into your bones, the disease destroys the matrix, or inner support structure of your bones. This leads to weakening and deterioration of the bones, meaning that they will be less pliable. This deterioration sets the stage for fractures; a simple bump or fall may be enough to break a large bone, such as your leg or upper arm. However, according to BoneTumor.org, the more unstable sites can be caught on a Computed Tomography (CT) scan or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and dealt with. Fractures are usually a late sign of bone metastasis, meaning that the cancer has been working in the bones for some time. Spinal fractures have occurred due to bone metastasis, but are rarer.
Anemia
Your large bones, such as those in your upper thighs, have marrow that is responsible for producing your body's red blood cells. When compromised, these bones lose the efficiency to correctly replace this blood component. This can lead to different types of anemias, which is a low blood count. Anemia is diagnosed when your body is losing, or not making enough, blood to sustain your functions. Anemia can add to your fatigue, immune system dysfunction, and general weakness.
