When cancer spreads from its original location to other parts of the body, it’s called metastasis. One of the common areas cancer spreads to is the bones. This is called bone metastasis. For cancer patients, bone metastasis can cause pain, make it hard to move, and increase the risk of fractures (broken bones). That’s where orthopedic care comes in. Orthopedic specialists focus on treating bone and joint problems, and they play a key role in helping cancer patients manage bone metastasis.
In this blog, we’ll explain what bone metastasis is, how orthopedic specialists help manage it, and answer some common questions that cancer patients often ask.
What is Bone Metastasis?
Bone metastasis happens when cancer cells from the original tumor spread to the bones. This is common in cancers like breast, lung, prostate, and kidney cancer, but it can happen with other types too. When cancer spreads to the bones, it can cause pain, weaken the bones, and even lead to fractures (broken bones). This can make it hard for a person to move around or even do everyday activities.
How Orthopedic Care Helps
Orthopedic specialists treat problems with bones and joints. For cancer patients with bone metastasis, orthopedic care is important because it helps with pain management, preventing fractures, and improving mobility (making it easier to move). Here’s how orthopedic care helps:
1. Managing Pain
One of the biggest challenges for people with bone metastasis is the pain it causes. Cancer in the bones can cause aching or sharp pain that doesn’t go away. Orthopedic doctors help manage this pain with different treatments:
Pain Medications: Pain relief medicines, like aspirin, ibuprofen, or stronger prescription medications, can help manage the pain.
Radiation Therapy: This is a treatment where high-energy rays are used to shrink the tumors in the bone, which can help reduce pain.
Surgery: If the bone is very weak or broken, surgery may be needed to stabilize the bone and reduce pain.
2. Preventing Fractures (Broken Bones)
When cancer spreads to the bones, the bones become weaker and can break (fracture) easily. This can happen even with minor falls or injuries. Orthopedic specialists help prevent fractures with:
Surgery to Strengthen the Bones: If a bone is at risk of breaking, orthopedic surgeons can insert metal rods, plates, or screws to hold the bone together and prevent it from breaking.
Bone-Strengthening Medications: Some medications can help make the bones stronger by slowing down the damage caused by the cancer. These medications include bisphosphonates and denosumab.
Physical Therapy: After surgery or in combination with other treatments, physical therapy (special exercises) can help make the muscles around the bones stronger and improve balance, which can lower the chance of falling.
3. Improving Movement and Mobility
Cancer in the bones can make it hard to move, walk, or do everyday activities like getting out of bed or sitting down. Orthopedic specialists help improve movement by:
Physical Therapy: This includes exercises to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and help with balance. This can help patients move around more easily and safely.
Assistive Devices: Sometimes, tools like walkers, canes, or even wheelchairs are used to help patients move safely and avoid falls.
Joint Replacement: If the cancer damages joints like the hip or knee, surgery may be needed to replace the joint and help restore movement.
4. Surgery for Severe Cases
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat bone metastasis. For example, when a bone is very weak, surgery might be needed to help stabilize it or even remove a tumor. Some types of surgery include:
Stabilizing the Bone: Metal devices like rods, screws, or plates can be placed in the bone to help keep it from breaking.
Removing Bone Tumors: If a tumor in the bone is causing a lot of pain or limiting movement, surgery might be done to remove it.
Joint Replacement: If cancer damages a joint, like the hip or knee, the joint can be replaced with an artificial one to reduce pain and improve movement.
5. Palliative Care (Comfort Care)
For patients with advanced cancer, the goal of treatment is often not to cure the disease but to improve comfort and quality of life. This is known as palliative care. In orthopedic care, this means:
Managing Pain: Ensuring pain is well-controlled with medication or other treatments like radiation or surgery.
Helping with Movement: Using physical therapy or assistive devices to help patients stay as mobile and independent as possible.
Providing Support: Helping patients and their families cope with the challenges of living with cancer, both physically and emotionally.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the signs of bone metastasis?
The common signs of bone metastasis include:
- Pain in the bones or joints that doesn’t go away or worsens with movement
- Swelling or tenderness in the affected area
- Fractures (broken bones) from minor injuries
- Difficulty walking, standing, or performing everyday activities due to pain or weakness
- If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to talk to a doctor right away.
2. Can I prevent fractures if I have bone metastasis?
While bone metastasis weakens bones, there are steps you can take to lower the risk of fractures:
- Follow your doctor’s treatment plan for medications to help strengthen bones.
- Use assistive devices like canes or walkers to avoid falls.
- Exercise regularly (under the guidance of a physical therapist) to keep your muscles strong and improve balance.
- Avoid high-risk activities that could lead to falls or injury.
3. Is surgery always needed for bone metastasis?
No, not every cancer patient with bone metastasis needs surgery. Surgery is usually recommended when:
- The bone is at risk of breaking.
- A tumor is causing severe pain or limiting movement.
- Cancer is affecting the joints (e.g., hip or knee).
- Your doctor will carefully evaluate your situation and recommend the best treatment options.
4. How long does it take to recover from surgery for bone metastasis?
Recovery time depends on the type of surgery and how the patient is doing overall. For example:
- Recovery from bone stabilization surgery can take several weeks, and you might need to limit certain movements during that time.
- Joint replacement surgery can require a few months of rehabilitation (physical therapy) to fully recover.
- Your orthopedic surgeon will guide you on what to expect during recovery.
- 5. Can bone metastasis be cured?
Bone metastasis is usually not curable, but it is treatable. The goal of treatment is to manage symptoms, prevent complications like fractures, and improve quality of life. Treatments such as pain management, radiation therapy, surgery, and bone-strengthening medications can help cancer patients feel better and maintain mobility.
Final Thoughts
Bone metastasis can be a serious problem for cancer patients, but with the right orthopedic care, it can be managed. Pain can be controlled, fractures can be prevented, and mobility can be improved. If you or someone you love has bone metastasis, don’t hesitate to consult with an orthopedic specialist. They can offer the right treatment to help manage the condition and improve quality of life.
Although cancer is challenging, the right care can make a huge difference. With early treatment, many patients are able to live comfortably and continue with their daily lives.
