When breast cancer spreads to the bones, it often affects the spine, leading to spinal metastases. Here are some key points about bone metastasis in the spine:
- Common Symptoms
- Pain: Back pain is a frequent symptom when cancer cells spread to the spine.
- Neurological Issues: These can arise due to the pressure on Show Full Answer
When breast cancer spreads to the bones, it often affects the spine, leading to spinal metastases. Here are some key points about bone metastasis in the spine:
- Common Symptoms:
- Pain: Back pain is a frequent symptom when cancer cells spread to the spine.
- Neurological Issues: These can arise due to the pressure on the spinal cord.
- Balance Problems: Difficulty in maintaining balance can occur.
- Diagnosis:
- Imaging Tests: MRI, bone scans, CT scans, and PET scans are used to identify and assess the extent of spinal metastases.
- Blood Tests: These check for abnormalities and imbalances in blood chemistry and cell counts.
- Treatment Options:
- Targeted Therapy: Medications like trastuzumab (Herceptin) or pertuzumab (Perjeta) for HER2-positive cancer.
- Pain Management: Your healthcare team can help manage pain associated with spinal metastases.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the article titled "Breast Cancer Spreading to the Bones: 6 Symptoms and How To Treat Them" on MyBCTeam.
July 28, 2024