A 72-year-old female patient in Hanoi presented with left femur pain, which had been treated for osteoarthritis for 8 months without improvement. Upon further examination at Medlatec General Hospital in late April, doctors discovered that the patient actually had lung cancer with bone metastases. The bone area was found to contain a malignant lesion, leading the doctor to order a biopsy for further investigation. Pathology experts confirmed that the patient had adenocarcinoma with bone metastasis, with a tumor also found in the upper lobe of the left lung. The patient was subsequently diagnosed with bone metastasized lung cancer.
Metastatic bone cancer refers to malignant tumors that originate in other organs and spread to the bones. Bone metastases are commonly derived from organs such as the lungs, breast, prostate, and thyroid due to the bones’ rich vascular system. The most frequently affected locations include the vertebrae, femur, pelvis, ribs, sternum, humerus, and skull. Detecting bone metastases can be challenging, as symptoms may vary from severe pain in the affected area to more subtle signs like numbness or weakness in limbs.
Bone biopsies are essential for accurately diagnosing bone metastases, although they can be difficult to perform due to the location. Early detection and diagnosis are crucial in treating cancer with bone metastasis, with a primary goal of managing pain and extending the patient’s life. If you experience persistent bone pain, especially at night or under pressure, or if you notice unexplained numbness or weakness in your limbs, it is important to seek medical attention promptly.