Any cancer may metastasize to bone, but metastases from carcinomas are the most common, particularly those arising in the following areas:

• Breast
• Lung
• Prostate
• Kidney
• Thyroid
• Colon

Metastatic lesions cause destruction of the bone in the area of the lesion.  These are typically very painful and can result in a pathologic fracture. If a lesion is found before it fractures it can be resected prior to it causing a fracture, and the area can be stabilized.  

Metastatic lesions in the spine can be managed by insertion of methyl methacrylate into the spine (kyphoplasty or vertebraplasty). This has been shown to provide good pain relief and helps to stabilizes or minimize the potential of a compression fractures of the vertebral body. 

It is important to have an orthopedic surgeon who understands the metastatic disease process manage metastatic lesions of the spine and extremities.