Symptoms

A number of symptoms arise as a result of bone metastasis.

• Bone pain. Pain is the most common symptom of bone metastasis and is usually the first symptom that patients notice. At first the pain may come and go. It tends to be worse at night or with bed rest. Eventually the pain may increase and become severe. Not all pain indicates metastasis. The doctor can help you distinguish between pain from metastasis and aches and pains from other sources.
• Fractures. Bone metastasis can weaken bones, putting them at risk for fractures. In some cases a fracture is the first sign of bone metastasis. The long bones of the arms and legs and the bones of the spine are the most common sites of fracture. A sudden pain in the middle of the back may indicate a cancerous bone breaking and collapsing.
• Spinal cord compression. When cancer metastasizes to the spine, it can squeeze the spinal cord. The pressure on the spinal cord may not only cause pain, it may cause numbness or weakness in the legs, problems with the bowels or bladder (for example, trouble urinating), or numbness in the abdominal area.
• High blood calcium levels. High levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia) are caused when calcium is released from the bones. High calcium levels may reduce one's appetite, may cause nausea, thirst, constipation, tiredness and confusion. If untreated, it may cause a coma.
• Other symptoms. If bone metastasis affects the bone marrow, other symptoms may be experienced, depending on the type of blood cell affected. Red blood levels may drop, causing anemia that leads to symptoms of tiredness, weakness and shortness of breath. If white blood cells are affected, the patient may develop infections that cause fevers, chills, fatigue or pain. If the number of platelets drops, abnormal bleeding may occur.

It is important for patients to discuss any of these symptoms with their doctor. Detecting and initiating treatment for this condition early can help reduce complications.

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