Hypercalcemia is the collection of the excessive calcium in the blood and it is one of the most prominent secondary bone cancer symptoms.
The malignant cancer may break away from the original tumor and spread to other parts of the body. These cells spread through the lymphatic and blood system. These cells may settle there for many years without causing symptoms. the spread of the cancer cells is termed as the secondary tumors, recurrence of the cancer, metastases, or secondaries.
The bone is a common place of secondary cancer from breast. the bones that are affected the most are of the skull, pelvis, spine, upper bones of the arms and legs. Osteoclast and osteoblast are the two living cells that assist in the shaping of the bone. an osteoclast cell removes and destroys small amounts of the old bone. Osteoblast builds up the new bone.
The cancer cells that have spread to the bone make chemicals which disturb the process of osteoclast and the osteoblast begins to grow rapidly. This results in bone destruction rather than formation of the bone.
Secondary Bone Cancer Symptoms
- Bone fractures that occur as a result of the bone’s weakness
- Pressure on the spinal cord-causing weakness or paralysis
- Nausea, constipation, and drowsiness
- Chronic pain in the affected area
- Unexplained weight loss
- Weakened bones
- Swelling of joints
- Anemia
- Fatigue
- Fever
To diagnose the secondary bone cancer, the doctor may order for any of the following tests.
Bone x-ray: the x-ray shows the certain changes in the bone and the doctor may trace the secondary bone cancer. however, the x-ray may not show very tiny changes that have occurred due to the secondary bone cancers.
Bone scan: This test clearly shows the abnormal areas of bone. a bone scan gives the whole picture of the skeleton but on the other hand an x-ray and MRI will not show these details. This test may show symptoms of osteoporosis and arthritis not of the secondary bone cancer.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): This test uses magnetism instead of x-rays and provides detailed pictures of the affected area. MRI scan is not painful but the patient has to lie on a flat surface.
Bone marrow biopsy: a needle is inserted in to the marrow and a sample is taken to look for cancer cells.
Blood tests: Tumor markers are measured in the blood test. This test helps to monitor the disease.
The goal of the treatment is to relieve the patient from the symptoms and control the growth of the cancer. This will improve the quality of life of the patient. the treatment for the secondary bone cancer is given via hormone, chemo, radiotherapy or surgery. the treatment may be given either alone or in combination.
The treatment is given based on number of factors such as the symptoms, the spreading of the cancer in the bone, the type of tumor, and health condition of the patient.
Hormone therapy: hormone therapy includes the use of the drugs Tamoxifen and the aromatase inhibitors. Hormone therapy is the first choice of treatment for the secondary bone cancer.
Chemotherapy: if the secondary bone cancer does not respond to the hormone therapy then chemotherapy is given. Anti-cancer drugs are used to control the cancer and they are given alone or in combination.
Radiotherapy: the aim of radiation therapy is to decrease the pain and prevent possibility of the fractures. it is given as a single dose or the dose is divided for a few days. This reduces the side-effects of the treatment.
Bisphosphonates: These are the drugs that target the parts of the skeleton where the osteoclasts have become overactive. These drugs reduce the high calcium levels in the blood; help to decrease the pain that has not responded to radiotherapy. the long term uses of Bisphosphonates ease the risk of bone fractures and delay the spread of the secondary bone cancer.
If a person experiences pain, tingling, or any such secondary bone cancer symptoms then it is very important to let the doctor know.
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