Bone metastases can happen to many people who have cancer. They are most common in people who have breast cancer or prostate cancer. Bone metastases are often painful which is why it's so important to get an early diagnosis to reduce a patient's pain.

Listen in to learn what to expect after being diagnosed with bone metastases. You'll also learn about the different types of bone metastases, the diagnosis process and treatment options.

What You'll Learn:

• Bone metastases are different from bone cancer. (2:00)
• Our bodies are always breaking down and building bone. (4:00)
• There are three types of bone metastases: osteolytic, osteoblastic and mixed. (4:45)
• The most common symptom is pain. But fractures and elevated calcium levels can also occur. (7:18)
• Pain from bone metastases is constant and really hard to relieve without treatment. (9:05)
• To get a diagnosis doctors will typically order x-rays and other scans. (10:10)
• The most important thing is to get the pain under control as quickly as possible. (14:30)
• Medications that inhibit the processes of bone resorption are sometimes prescribed. (17:00)
• Radiation therapy and radionuclide therapy are two other ways to treat bone metastases. (18:00)
• Radionuclide is when a patient is injected with radioisotopes for pain relief. (22:24)

Ideas worth sharing:

"Though bone metastases are common in certain types of cancer they're possible in all types of cancer." - Dr. Rosalyn Morrell

"If you're experiencing pain, we want to get the pain under control as quickly as possible." - Dr. Rosalyn Morrell

"Usually you can get very rapid pain relief from radiation therapy." - Dr. Rosalyn Morrell

"Which form of therapy you receive is dependent upon your clinical scenario." - Dr. Rosalyn Morrell

"If you have cancer and are feeling pain that feels like it's arising from a bone, inform your healthcare provider. You want to be diagnosed sooner rather than later." - Dr. Rosalyn Morrell

Resources:

Rosalyn Morrell, MD: Website