Understanding Metastatic Lung Cancer Spread to Bones - Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

Understanding Metastatic Lung Cancer That Has Spread to Bones

Lung cancer is a devastating disease that impacts hundreds of thousands each year. When lung cancer spreads (metastasizes) to other parts of the body, it can be an even more difficult diagnosis. One common site of metastasis for lung cancer is the bones.

If you or a loved one has received a diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer that has metastasized to the bones, you likely have a lot of questions. Gaining information about what to expect and the current treatment options available can help provide some sense of control during this challenging time.

How Lung Cancer Spreads to Bones

Lung cancer most often starts in the cells lining the airways. As the cancerous cells multiply, they can break away and travel through the bloodstream or lymph system to other areas of the body. When these cells embed in a new area and begin forming tumors, this is called metastasis.

Bones are a common site for lung cancer metastasis for a few key reasons:

• Bones contain marrow, blood vessels, and lymph nodesprime areas for cancer cells to grow.
• Chemicals secreted by bone cells can stimulate tumor growth.
• Cancer cells can lay dormant in bones for years before proliferating.

For these reasons, bones are the second most common site of metastasis from lung cancer after the lungs themselves. Up to 30-40% of lung cancer patients develop bone metastases at some point.

Signs and Symptoms of Lung Cancer in Bones

Metastasis to the bones can cause various signs and symptoms. Being aware of these can help lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Bone pain: This may be described as a dull, aching pain and can be worse at night. It may be focused in areas where metastases are present.
• Broken bones: Weakened bones are more susceptible to fractures. Sudden pain from a break may be the first sign of bone metastasis.
• Spinal cord compression: If cancer spreads to vertebrae, it can press on the spinal cord and cause weakness, numbness, or paralysis in the legs.
• High calcium levels: Bone metastases can cause excessive calcium release from bones, leading to hypercalcemia.

Some people with bone metastases have no symptoms at all initially. Thats why regular monitoring through scans and bloodwork is important for those with lung cancer.

Diagnosing Lung Cancer Bone Metastases

If bone metastases are suspected, doctors can use several tests to confirm their presence and locate them:

• Bone scan: A small amount of radioactive tracer is injected into the bloodstream. Areas of bone metastases take up more of the tracer and light up on imaging scans.
• PET scan: This imaging test can detect metastatic cancer, as malignant cells have increased glucose uptake.
• MRI: Detailed MRIs can locate bone metastases not visible on other scans.
• CT scan: CTs provide cross-sectional images that can detect malignancies in bones.
• Biopsy: A sample of abnormal bone tissue can be extracted and analyzed to definitively diagnose cancer.

Doctors will consider your symptoms, medical history, and scan results together to determine the location and extent of bone metastases.

Treating Lung Cancer Bone Metastases

Treatment focuses on relieving pain, stabilizing bones, and slowing the cancers progression. Common treatments include:

• Pain medication: OTC or prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, opioids, and adjuvant drugs help relieve bone pain.
• Bisphosphonates: These drugs strengthen bones and slow bone loss caused by metastases.
• Radiation therapy: Highly targeted radiation kills cancer cells and provides pain relief.
• Radiofrequency ablation: Heat applied through a needle probe destroys tumors.
• Surgery: Orthopedic procedures like bone reinforcement can stabilize fragile bones.
• Chemotherapy/Targeted therapy: Systemic drug therapies attack cancer cells throughout the body.

Treatment plans will depend on your specific case. Your oncology team can help determine the best options to manage your bone metastases.

What is the Prognosis for Lung Cancer in Bones?

The prognosis for metastatic lung cancer depends on many factors, including:

• Your age and overall health
• The cancers type, stage, and molecular profile
• How well treatments control the cancer
• How many metastases are present and where they are located

Those with just a few bone metastases in early-stage lung cancer generally have a better outlook than those with widespread bone disease from late-stage cancer. However, prognosis is highly variable.

New targeted therapies offer hope. For example, up to 60% of lung adenocarcinomas contain epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations. Drugs blocking EGFR signaling can shrink these tumors and extend survival.

Talk to your oncology team about your individual prognosis based on your health and cancer status. Treatment advances are helping many with metastatic lung cancer live longer.

Improving Quality of Life With Bone Metastases

Living with metastatic lung cancer can profoundly impact quality of life. Along with medical treatments, other supportive care strategies can help:

• Manage pain: Stick closely to your pain medication regimen to keep discomfort under control.
• Try complementary therapies: Gentle yoga, meditation, massage, and acupuncture may further ease pain.
• Consume bone-healthy nutrition: Ensure adequate intakes of calcium, vitamin D, and proteins to support bone health.
• Get moving: Light physical activity like walking helps maintain mobility and endorphin levels.
• Join a support group: Connecting with others facing similar challenges provides solidarity.
• Address anxiety/depression: Counseling, support groups, medication, or lifestyle changes can improve mental health.

Dont hesitate to ask your healthcare team for referrals to supportive services that could help enhance your daily living.

The Takeaway

Bone metastasis is common occurrence with lung cancer that requires prompt treatment. While bone disease can cause significant complications, the latest targeted therapies and support care strategies can help preserve quality of life. Discuss all your treatment options with your medical team to determine the most appropriate plan for your needs and prognosis.

With the right treatment and support, its possible to manage bone metastases and enjoy meaningful time with loved ones even with advanced lung cancer.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.