What should you know about lung cancer in bones?

Cancer cells can travel from the lung and settle in bone. Common concerns include persistent or night pain, tenderness, reduced movement and a bone that breaks more easily. The spine, hips, ribs and other bones may be affected. A scan helps locate areas of concern and assess their effect on strength.

Spinal involvement can irritate or compress nerves. Bone disease can also disturb the balance of minerals in the blood, causing thirst, constipation, nausea, weakness or confusion. A symptom does not prove that cancer has spread; imaging and clinical assessment are needed.

Tell the oncology team about new, persistent or worsening bone pain, changes in walking, falls, or reduced ability to use an arm or leg. They may arrange imaging, pain relief, radiotherapy to a painful area, medicines that support bone strength, or an orthopaedic review when a bone is at risk.

Systemic treatment may also be used because it reaches cancer cells throughout the body. Ask about safe activity, lifting limits, dental checks before certain bone medicines, and ways to prevent falls.

Seek emergency help for new leg weakness, numbness, loss of bladder or bowel control, severe back pain, inability to stand after a minor injury, sudden severe pain, or new confusion. These can signal spinal pressure, fracture or a mineral imbalance.

Which bones are involved, and are any at risk of fracture? Do I need a spine assessment or activity restrictions? What pain plan should I use? Could radiotherapy or bone-strengthening treatment help, and what monitoring is needed?