Spine Pain Alert: The Cause Might Not Be a Hernia!
Spinal bone metastases are increasingly common in cancer patients. Early diagnosis and innovative treatments like radiofrequency ablation offer new hope for improved quality of life and survival rates. Learn about spinal bone metastases, their symptoms, and cutting-edge treatments such as radiofrequency ablation. Early diagnosis and advanced therapies are saving lives and enhancing quality of life.
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Spine Pain Alert: The Cause Might Not Be a Hernia!
New Advances in Treating Spinal Bone Metastases Are Saving Lives
Each year, 19 million people worldwide are diagnosed with cancer, and nearly 10 million succumb to the disease. By 2040, this number is projected to rise to 30 million if preventative measures are not implemented. In Turkey alone, around 240,000 cancer cases are diagnosed annually. With advancements in cancer treatment extending life expectancy, the prevalence of spinal bone metastases—commonly referred to as "spinal cancer spread"—is increasing.
Orthopedic Oncology Specialist Prof. Dr. Seyit Ali Gümüştaş of Acıbadem Fulya Hospital notes that after the lungs and liver, the spine is the third most common site for bone metastases. He emphasizes:
“Spinal metastases occur in approximately 40% of cancer patients, depending on the cancer type. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for survival.”
Common Symptoms to Watch For
Spinal bone metastases are most frequently seen in individuals over the age of 40 and are often a sign of advanced cancer. While all cancers have the potential to metastasize to the spine, breast, prostate, lung, kidney, and thyroid cancers are the most common culprits due to their high prevalence and patients’ extended life expectancy.
Key symptoms include:
- Persistent neck, back, or lower back pain, even during rest.
- Pain intensity increases over time, disturbing sleep.
- Nerve compression causing numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs.
- Difficulty walking and impaired bowel or bladder function.
“Spinal metastases can easily be mistaken for other spinal conditions, such as herniated discs or osteoporosis,” explains Prof. Gümüştaş. He underscores the importance of detailed diagnostic evaluations, especially for cancer patients experiencing such symptoms.
The Importance of Early Diagnosis
Patients occasionally present with spinal fractures caused by bone weakening due to metastases.
“Delayed cases can lead to severe complications like spinal cord compression or paralysis,” warns Prof. Gümüştaş.
“Early intervention not only minimizes surgical risks but also accelerates recovery, preserving patients’ quality of life.”
Innovations in Spinal Metastasis Treatment
The primary goals of treating spinal metastases include pain relief, fracture prevention, and improving patients' quality of life. Treatment decisions depend on cancer type, metastasis severity, response to therapies, and the patient’s overall condition.
- Radiotherapy: Often the first-line treatment to reduce pain and prevent recurrence after surgery.
- Surgery: Reserved for cases with fractures or nerve compression.
- Minimally Invasive Techniques: New technologies such as radiofrequency ablation (high-heat tumor destruction) and cryotherapy (tumor freezing) are proving effective, especially in radiation-resistant or recurrent cases.
“These advanced methods not only improve patients’ quality of life but can also extend life expectancy in cases of isolated spinal metastases,” says Prof. Gümüştaş.
Radiofrequency Ablation: A Game-Changer
Radiofrequency ablation uses imaging guidance to target tumors with high heat, destroying cancer cells.
“This technique is particularly beneficial for patients who cannot tolerate open surgery,” explains Prof. Gümüştaş.
When combined with vertebroplasty—a cement injection to stabilize weakened vertebrae—it provides rapid pain relief and reinforces the spine.
“These minimally invasive procedures enable patients to resume chemotherapy or radiotherapy the very next day, significantly enhancing treatment outcomes,” he adds.
