Signs & Symptoms of Breast Cancer Spread to Bones
Cancer is a disease that can start in one part of the body and move to another. Primary breast cancer originates in the breast; cancer in any part of the body that develops when that breast cancer has spread is called metastatic breast cancer. The cancer spreads by cells breaking away from the primary tumor, entering the bloodstream and traveling to other parts of the body. According to the National Cancer Institute, the bones are common places for breast cancer to spread.
Pain
Pain is the most common symptom of breast cancer that has spread to the bones. The affected bone may get extremely achy and cause problems getting to sleep or moving around. Pain is caused by a tumor growing on the bone. This causes the bone to become weak, making fractures more probable. A fracture can occur with as little trauma as just standing too long or using the affected bone too much. When a bone becomes very weak and breaks, this is called a pathological fracture. According to Cancer Research UK, there are ways to treat bones weakened by metastatic breast cancer, including surgery and radiotherapy. Surgery and radiotherapy are also used to treat a bone that is already fractured.
Extreme Fatigue and Weakness
Another sign that breast cancer has spread to the bones is extreme fatigue and weakness. This is due to a condition called hypercalcaemia which occurs when the bones affected by the cancer release extra calcium into the bloodstream. If left untreated, hypercalcaemia can eventually lead to coma and death, and other symptoms may occur, such as passing a lot of urine, dehydration, muscle spasms and irregular heartbeat. Fits, personality changes, hallucinations and uncoordinated muscle movement are also signs of severe hypercalcaemia since calcium affects the brain and spinal cord.
Other Symptoms
An overall feeling of tiredness and feeling sick can mean metastasis. Also, a patient may have a decreased appetite, feel constipated, lose interest in certain things and feel confused. It is important to understand, however, that not every ache and pain felt is a sign of metastatic breast cancer in the bones. Muscles and bones ache for many different reasons other than cancer, such as aggressive exercise or side effects of other cancer treatments. Also, other illnesses, like the flu or a cold, may increase general aches and pains in the body, as well as increase tiredness and decrease appetite. If there is any concern that breast cancer has spread to the bones, it is certainly reasonable to have a doctor run tests.
Tags: breast cancer, metastatic breast, metastatic breast cancer, that breast, that breast cancer, affected bone, bones affected
