Luunmetastaasien

Luunmetastaasien refers to the spread of cancer cells from a primary tumor in another part of the body to the bone. This is a common occurrence in many types of cancer, particularly breast, prostate, lung, kidney, and thyroid cancers. When cancer metastasizes to bone, it can cause significant pain, fractures, and other complications, impacting a patient's quality of life.

The development of luunmetastaasien involves a complex process where cancer cells detach from the primary tumor, enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system, and then lodge in the bone marrow. Once in the bone, these cells can stimulate or inhibit the normal bone remodeling processes. This can lead to either an increase in bone formation (osteoblastic metastases) or an increase in bone breakdown (osteolytic metastases), or a combination of both. Osteolytic metastases weaken the bone structure, making it more susceptible to fractures, while osteoblastic metastases can lead to bone pain and stiffness.

Symptoms of luunmetastaasien can vary but often include persistent bone pain, particularly at night, increased risk of fractures (pathological fractures), spinal cord compression if the metastases press on the spinal cord, and hypercalcemia, a condition where there is too much calcium in the blood, which can lead to nausea, vomiting, confusion, and kidney problems. Diagnosis typically involves imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT scans, bone scans, or PET scans, and sometimes a biopsy. Treatment strategies aim to manage pain, prevent fractures, and slow the progression of the metastases. These may include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, bisphosphonates, and denosumab, which help strengthen the bone and reduce pain.