Cancer disease can spread to all organs in our body, including the muscular and skeletal system. When this system that allows us to move is affected by cancer, significant losses occur in our quality of life.
The rate of cancer has not changed much, but the number of people with cancer has increased. Because the human population has increased significantly, especially in large cities. This increase results in more cancer patients.
First of all, it is necessary to describe cancer cells. These cells originate from the cells that make up the organs in our body. Their difference from our normal cells is that they have lost control of their proliferation and growth. For this reason, instead of being beneficial to our body, they prevent the organs and tissues in their area from functioning properly. Cancer cells are named according to the cell types from which they originate. Those originating from epithelial tissue are called carcinoma (CA), while those originating from connective tissue (mesenchymal tissue) are called sarcoma. The most common type we see is carcinomas (CA). Examples of these include breast cancer, lung cancer, thyroid cancer, kidney cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, stomach cancer, uterine cancer and ovarian cancer. For example, breast cancer, which is common in women, is one of the cancers with a high rate of bone metastasis.
Today, very successful results can be achieved with modern chemotherapy, advanced surgical techniques and radiotherapy (radiation therapy). There is a famous saying we all know: "Don't be afraid of cancer, be afraid of being late." This saying is very true. Reaching a physician who specializes in cancer type before it is too late greatly increases the chances of treatment. However, it should not be forgotten that this disease can recur (relapse) and spread to other organs of the body (metastasis) even when treated appropriately. Cancer patients need to have regular follow-ups.
The reasons why cancer patients consult an orthopedist are;
The complaint of pain, which is not severe at first, but increases day by day. Some of our patients apply to us with an unfortunate experience, namely a fracture. Pain in the hip area must be investigated.
In addition, pathological femoral neck fracture due to bone metastasis. We also encounter �. In this case, we apply treatment with prosthesis application. To elaborate on the pain complaint in more detail; A dull pain that may initially be related to movement, but does not completely disappear over time even when resting, may be enough for us physicians to suspect. Especially in patients with a previous diagnosis of cancer, complaints of pain should be examined thoroughly and the necessary tests should be requested.
The majority of the fractures I mentioned above occur due to overlooked bone metastases as a result of not addressing such pain and not performing the necessary tests. Cancers often metastasize to our spinal bones. For this reason, back and waist pain should also be taken into consideration. When cancer cells settle in the bone tissue, they secrete substances that cause bone destruction and weaken the bone. Weakened bone tissue can break with a very small movement or impact, this is called "pathological fracture".
First, the character of the pain complaint should be clearly identified. If there is pain that does not go away even when resting, they should definitely consult their physician. Their physicians should first ask them for a direct radiograph (x-ray) of the painful area. In case of doubt, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will provide detailed information.
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