What to do if lung cancer metastasizes to the bone

What to do if lung cancer metastasizes to bones?

Bones are one of the most common sites for lung cancer metastasis. Early bone metastasis is generally asymptomatic, and only 50% of patients with lung cancer bone metastasis have clinical symptoms. Lung cancer bone metastasis is often accompanied by severe bone pain, pathological fractures, spinal cord compression, and hypercalcemia. Although bone metastasis does not directly threaten life, it significantly affects the patient's sleep, mood, daily living ability, and survival.

Bone pain is the main clinical symptom of bone metastasis. Bone pain occurs as the tumor increases to a pressure in the bone marrow cavity > 6.67 kPa, and gradually worsens as the disease progresses. Pain mediators secreted by the tumor and tumor invasion of the periosteum, nerves, and soft tissues can cause severe pain.

Pathological fractures are usually the first symptom of lung cancer bone metastasis. About one-third of patients present with bone metastasis as the first symptom without any manifestation of primary cancer. Prior to this, patients may not be aware of symptoms and may even live with the tumor for months to years. Hypercalcemia is one of the fatal causes of lung cancer bone metastasis. Late-stage lung cancer bone metastasis may also cause fatigue, weight loss, anemia, and low fever.

Usually after lung cancer is diagnosed, if swelling, pain, or discomfort occurs in these areas, and there are abnormal noises when walking, consider whether there is bone metastasis. At this time, you should go to the hospital for a bone scan as soon as possible. As long as there is some pain or discomfort, you should first consider whether there are signs of bone metastasis.