Metatstatic Disease

Question 1

What does metastatic disease involve

Answer 1

The bone more than other structures
*more common than a primary malignancy of the spine

Question 2

What are the symptoms/PE

Answer 2

1. Pain radiation
2. Symptoms of cord compression
3. Tenderness over spinous process
4. Kyphosis
   **refer to oncologist asap

Question 3

What tests to order

Answer 3

Radiographs
Bone scan (usually negative with multiple myeloma)

Question 4

What does the treatment of metastatic disease depend on?

Answer 4

Tumor type, degree of bony involvement, symptoms, patient and physician preference

Question 5

What are the different types of treatments

Answer 5

1. Chemo
2. Hormone
3. Radiation
4. Surgical decompression and stabilization