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Cancer can make the bones fragile
Many cancer patients develop so-called bone metastases in the course of the disease, which weaken their skeletal structure and can bring about further complaints. Today, however, there is often the possibility of a therapeutic treatment for those affected, in which - unlike some 15 years ago - a tumor freedom can be achieved, reports the University Hospital Freiburg. The Senior Physician at the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology at the Freiburg University Hospital, Dr. med. Georg Herget, explains in a recent press release, what consequences bone metastases have on patients and what treatment options exist.
As the head of the special consultation and the tumor board bone metastases at the University Hospital Freiburg is Dr. med. Herget the complaint well familiar and he can report from the practice of the problems of those affected. The senior physician knows the treatment options and knows that patients can often be helped today. Not infrequently can be achieved by surgical removal of the metastases again tumor freedom and also, if a cure is no longer possible, the metastases can at least be controlled to maintain the quality of life or possibly even improve, explains the expert.
Often, cancer forms bone metastases that weaken the bone structure. (Image: fotoliaxrender / fotolia.com) Bone pain can be a clue
According to a report by the University Medical Center Freiburg, about every second patient has bone metastases in the course of the disease, for example as a dislocation of breast, prostate or lung tumors. Basically, almost all tumors are able to form bone metastases Herget. These would often be detected during routine examinations for metastases intended for all tumor patients. "In people who have been diagnosed with cancer in the past, bone pain is a potential indication of metastasis," Herget continued. According to the experts, sufferers often report complaints in the hip or spine. In contrast to the symptoms of the widespread degenerative skeletal disorders such as osteoporosis, the symptoms are often initially observed at rest and only later under stress.
Broken bones a possible consequence
If pain is found in patients with a tumor disease, this should be clarified by the doctor at the latest after two to three weeks of ongoing complaints. Herget. Also, fractures may be an indication of the formation of bone metastases, the expert continues. According to Herget, in particular, fractures that occur with little or no impact, for example because the person has encountered, are suspicious. These are referred to in the professional world as so-called pathological fractures, explains the physician. Due to the degradation and remodeling of the bone substance in the formation of metastases, an instability arises, which can eventually lead to a fracture.
Diagnosis of bone metastases
If patients with suspected bone metastases come to the examination, X-rays or computed tomography are usually performed first. Even a so-called skeletal scintigraphy can be used for diagnosis. In this case, a substance accumulates in the area of the metastatic bone; On a whole body image, possible metastases can then be recognized ", explains Dr. med. Herget. Magnetic resonance tomography and biopsies (removal of tissue samples) are possible as further diagnostic methods and, in addition, other methods can be used, depending on the individual symptoms of the person concerned.
Therapy should maintain mobility
If booster metastases are detected, surgical removal is foreseen but not all affected. If a cure in this way is no longer possible, there are many options according to the expert, in order to maintain or restore the quality of life of those affected. For example, a preventive operation can prevent a bone fracture, or the metastases can be locally controlled in addition to the drug therapy by irradiation, reports Dr. med. Herget. In terms of quality of life, it is important to maintain mobility.
Lifestyle not necessarily restricted
According to the physician, conservative procedures such as a corset intended to support and protect fragile bones may also be helpful. Because patients would be less afraid of physical activity. Last but not least, it should be noted that in addition to serious cases, findings also occur in which the bone metastases have no direct consequence on the way of life. Activities such as cycling and hiking are after a clarification of this often again possible without fear, reports the expert. (Fp)