Bonemetastasesfrom lung cancer affect between 30% and 40% of people withadvanced lung cancer.
Moreover, it’s important to note that bone metastases are not all the same.
Some have more favorable outcomes than others.
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It also explains how the condition is diagnosed and treated.
Symptoms of Bone Metastases From Lung Cancer
Pain is typically the first symptom of bone metastases.
The pain is often worse at night or with movement.
Verywell / Ellen Lindner
The compression of nerves in thelumbar spine, referred to anerve root compression, can causeradicular pain.
Complications
Bone metastases from lung cancer can cause severe complications as the malignancy progresses.
Cauda Equina Syndrome
Metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) can often present as a medical emergency.
If treated early, these conditions can be reversed.
Prompt Reaction Matters
Cauda equine syndrome is considered a medical emergency.
If not treated promptly (typically with surgery), the symptoms can become permanent.
Pathological Fractures
Sometimes, the first sign of lung cancer metastasis to the bone is a fracture.
This is referred to as apathological fracture.
The integrity of the bone is compromised as normal bone tissues are supplanted by cancer cells.
Pathological fractures are generally preceded or accompanied by constant pain.
Pain from fractures in the spine or ribs will generally worsen while sitting or standing.
Sciatica, deformity, and immobility are common outcomes of a pathological fracture due to bone metastases.
Symptoms include extreme thirst, weakness, nausea or vomiting, decreased urination, and muscle and joint aches.
Diagnosis
Bone metastases from lung cancer are diagnosed with imaging studies.
Unlikelung cancer staging, the classification of bone metastases does not direct how the disease is treated.
Rather, it gives the doctor an idea of how the metastases will progress.
The primary goal of treatment is to reduce pain and either prevent or treat fractures and other serious complications.
The increase is due to the ever-growing range of cancer treatment options.
However, it still hovers at about 10 months.
The spread of cancer cells occurs either through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.
Pain is typically the first symptom of bone metastases.
At least it is in about 80% of cases.
The pain may initially feel like a dull muscle strain but gradually intensifies and becomes severe.
The pain is often worse at night or with movement.
Bone metastases from lung cancer can cause severe complications as the malignancy progresses.
As difficult as it is to hear this news, don’t give up hope.
To help you through the rough times, join asupport groupof others who understand what you’re going through.
Seek counseling from a psychologist or psychiatrist if you’re depressed, anxious, or unable to cope.
Try not to focus on survival times.
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