Bone Metastasis - when cancer spreads to the bones - Introduction: University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center

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Sarcoma: An Overview

		Home > Cancer and Treatments > Sarcomas: Soft Tissue, Connective Tissue & Bone Cancers Bone metastasis or "bone mets" occurs when cancer cells from the primary tumor relocate to the bone. Prostate, breast, and lung cancers are most likely to spread to the bone. However, other cancers are not excluded. Bone Metastasis Getting Diagnosed / Treathment At the U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center, treatment of bone metastasis takes place in the clinic where the originating cancer is treated. For example, if prostate cancer has metastasized into the bone, it is treated in the Urologic Oncology Clinic. View our Cancer Center Clinics List to find the clinic you need. Read more about bone metastasis: General information What you need to know about bone metastasis, cancer, a glossary the future of bone metastasis understanding and treatment and a frequently asked questions page. Symptoms Bone metastasis symptoms vary among patients. In fact, some patients do not have any symptoms at all. Sometimes the symptoms of bone metastasis are what cause a patient to first visit the doctor. The most common symptoms are bone pain, bone fracture, and spinal cord compression. We have listed other symptoms that may be experienced as well. Diagnosis An important part of diagnosis for bone metastases includes a review of the patient's past medical history, family history, and a physical exam. The doctor can use this information along with various testing procedures to find the cause of the patient's symptoms. Laboratory tests, radiographic examinations, bone scans, CAT scans, MRIs, and/or bone marrow aspiration and biopsies are helpful tools in the process of diagnosis. Treatment Bone metastases can be managed. The goals of any treatment are to lessen pain, prevent further bone breakdown, and restore function to patients with bone metastasis. This is done, in part, by strengthening the bone and by reducing the risk of fractures. Ultimately, treatment is intended to improve the patient's quality of life. It is best to be informed of all of your options. Other Bone Disorders The symptoms for bone metastasis and other bone and joint disorders may be similar. Diagnosing bone metastasis in patients with arthritis or osteoporosis can be especially challenging. It is best to tell your doctor if you have a personal or family history of any of these bone disorders. Bone Metastasis Glossary Still have questions? The nurses at Cancer AnswerLine™ have answers. Call 1-800-865-1125 and you'll get a personal response from one of our registered nurses, who have years of experience in caring for people with cancer. Return to top		Adjust text size See Also Cancer Center Clinics List Bone / Bone metastasis Clinical Trials -on UMClinicalStudies.org

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