Your doctor can perform tests to determine whether cancer has spread to your bones. You could have blood testing to determine your calcium levels. An X-ray, body scan, and/or MRI can help your medical team see and better understand the condition of your cancer.
Prognosis
You cannot be cured of cancer that spreads to your bones. However, with the right treatments, you might be able to live longer, reduce your pain and other symptoms, and enhance your quality of life. There are ways to handle some of the issues that arise, so having cancer that has gone to your bones does not mean you should stop receiving therapy altogether.
Treatment
With cancer that spreads to your bones, your doctor has a few alternatives. Your medical team may work to strengthen your bones before they fracture or may repair fractured bones. They may do the following:
- Prescribe medications to help with bone pain and bone strength.
- Radiation therapy can be used to relieve bone pain and reduce the likelihood that the bone will fracture.
- During surgery, add additional support to a bone’s weak spot by inserting a metal rod or other device.
- Inject bone cement into a bone that is fragile.
- Provide chemo, radiation, targeted therapy, or other treatments.
- Try heating or freezing a tumor in your bone to make it smaller.
- Encourage you to enroll in a clinical study where experts are testing the most recent medical advancements.
- Painkillers may enhance your quality of life and facilitate movement.
- Drugs can lower your blood calcium levels if they are exceedingly high. Symptoms (such as nausea or extreme thirst) may subside if things return to normal.
Guidelines for Bone Care
You might need to adjust how you move. If you have a weak bone, your doctor may advise using crutches or a walker. To safeguard your spine, you might have to wear a back brace. Even though cancer that spreads may weaken your bones, you can maintain a somewhat active lifestyle if your doctor offers physical therapy.
Learn more about Cancer here.
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