What does secondary breast cancer in the bones feel like?
The most common symptom of a secondary breast cancer in the bone is an ongoing ache in an area of bone. It may be painful when you move around. You may find it difficult to sleep because of the pain. Secondary breast cancer in the bones may also cause other bone problems.
How long can you live with secondary breast cancer in the bones?
The authors note that most people live for 12–33 months after a diagnosis of metastatic cancer in the bones.
Can secondary breast cancer in the bone be cured?
4. Treatment for secondary breast cancer in the bone. When breast cancer spreads to the bone, it can be treated but cannot be cured.
What does breast cancer in bones feel like?
Symptoms of breast cancer in the bones Breast cancer that has spread to the bones may cause: Sudden bone pain, such as hip or back pain, which may feel similar to the discomfort associated with arthritis or exercise strain but is persistent or progressively worse even with rest or conservative measures.
What does metastatic bone cancer feel like?
The pain may be dull and achy or sharp with a sudden onset. Nerve issues. If a bone tumor is pressing on the spinal cord, it can affect nerve function. Known as spinal cord compression, this can lead to symptoms like tingling, weakness, or numbness in the legs or arms.
What does cancer in the bone feel like?
Cancer in bone can cause intermittent or progressively severe localized bone pain where the cancer is in the bone. The bone pain is described as aching, throbbing, stabbing, and excruciating. This can lead to insomnia, loss of appetite, and inability to carry out normal daily activities.
How can you tell if cancer has spread to your bones?
When it does occur, signs and symptoms of bone metastasis include:
- Bone pain.
- Broken bones.
- Urinary incontinence.
- Bowel incontinence.
- Weakness in the legs or arms.
- High levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia), which can cause nausea, vomiting, constipation and confusion.
Does bone cancer pain move around?
Bone pain is often the first symptom of cancer that has spread to the bone. The pain may come and go at first. It tends to be worse at night and may get better with movement. Later on, it can become constant and may be worse during activity.
What does cancer in the bones feel like?
Can you have secondary breast cancer in the bone?
Sometimes secondary breast cancer can affect the bone marrow. Secondary breast cancer in the bone is not the same as having cancer that starts in the bone. The cancer cells that have spread to the bone are breast cancer cells.
Can a symptom of secondary breast cancer be metastatic?
Secondary cancer can also be called advanced or metastatic cancer. It might not mean that you have secondary breast cancer if you have the symptoms described below. They can be caused by other conditions. Tell your doctor or specialist nurse if you’re worried about a symptom or if it continues for more than a few days.
What happens when breast cancer spreads to the bone?
When breast cancer spreads to the bone, it can be treated but cannot be cured. Treatment aims to control and slow down the spread of the cancer, relieve symptoms and give you the best quality of life for as long as possible. After a diagnosis of secondary breast cancer, many people want to know how long they’ve got to live.
How to feel after a secondary breast cancer diagnosis?
In the days or weeks after a diagnosis of secondary breast cancer, you may feel in turmoil and find it hard to think clearly. You can read our information for people newly diagnosed with secondary breast cancer, including where to find support.