Article and Video CATEGORIES

Cancer Journey

Search By

Cancer 101 FAQ: I was told I have lung cancer, but it went to my spine, so do I also have bone cancer?
Wed, 09/25/2019 - 17:33
This is an oldie but goodie article from GRACE's archives. Enjoy!
Author
GRACE Videos and Articles
Image
 

No, but this is a very common misinterpretation.

Cancer is categorized by the cell type from which a cancer developed. The place where cancer begins is called the primary cancer. Cancer can spread via the bloodstream (metastasize) to other parts of the body and grow in these other areas. Typical areas for a cancer to metastasize to include the liver, the lungs, the bones, the brain, and the adrenal glands (on top of the kidneys) — but different types of primary cancers have a greater or lesser tendency to spread to particular parts of the body. Colon cancer tends to spread to the liver, while prostate cancer classically spreads to the skeleton. Lung cancer can spread to all of these places.

Some of the pattern of metastatic spread is related to the pattern of blood flow from the primary cancer, but there are also proteins on the surface of certain types of cancer cells (called adhesion molecules), as well as other factors that we don’t fully understand, that lead certain cancers to preferentially grow in one area but not another.

So overall, it is important to distinguish, for instance, between a primary cancer in the brain, liver, bone, or adrenal glands (as cancers can arise directly from these areas) and secondary spread of a cancer from another area to these areas, which is more common. The best systemic therapy for these is typically related to the cellular origin of the primary cancer.

In addition, certain “local” complications from metastatic spread are treated in a similar way no matter what the primary cancer is. For instance, brain metastases are most commonly treated with radiation, and bone lesions are often treated with radiation if they are causing significant pain, with a medication like zoledronate (a bisphosphonate) added to reduce the risk of future skeletal complications.

For further discussion:

Introduction to Lung Cancer, including discussion of “What is Cancer?”

General Work-Up and Staging of Lung Cancer

Discussion of various treatments of metastatic spread is covered in separate dedicated posts on these subjects.

 
Video Language

Next Previous link

Previous PostNext Post

Related Content

Image
Mandarin LCVL
Video
王林医生用普通话讨论重要的肺癌信息。这些信息包括靶向治疗、晚期疾病的症状、循环肿瘤 DNA、治疗方案等。我们鼓励您与社区中说普通话的人分享。 Dr. Lin Wang discusses important lung cancer information in Mandarin. This information includes targeted therapy, symptoms of advanced disease, circulating tumor DNA, treatment options, and more. We encourage you to share this with the Mandarin speakers in your community. To watch the complete Playlist visit: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWsyUmdjLXhGnSxobmz4CBP3pxAj7nDa…;  
Image
Tell your story!  Apply now for the Clinical Trials Experiences through Storytelling Program
Article
We are excited to launch our third year of this program; tell your story and help us help others! Apply Online Now!     GRACE Patient Perspectives: Clinical Trials Experiences Storytelling Program Overview  
Image
Blood Cancer OncTalk
Video
Blood Cancer OncTalk was a live presentation that brought together top oncologists to discuss emerging concepts and treatment options in blood cancer. The program was chaired by Dr. Aaron Goodman, with the participation of Dr. Mazie Tsang, Hematologist / Oncologist; Dr. Autumn Jeong, Hematologist / Oncologist; Dr. Shaji Kumar, Hematologist / Oncologist; and Dr. Sridevi Rajeeve, Hematologist / Oncologist.

Forum Discussions

Hi Caregiver and welcome to Grace.  I'm sorry that you need to be here and hope we can help.  Osimertinib has better efficacy than gefitinib (including OS and reaching the brain)...

Hi Bob, Welcome to Grace.  I'm sorry about your sil.  Unfortunately, cancer becomes resistant to TKIs like tagrisso.  Sometimes all of the cancer becomes resistant at once and sometimes just parts...

Hi Kimberly, Welcome to Grace.  I'm sorry you are here and glad you've found us. 


 


It sounds like a biopsy would be the next step.  I can't speak to what...

Recent Comments

JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Hi Tammy,  Welome to Grace. …
By JanineT GRACE … on Tue, 05/16/2023 - 13:44
Concerned
By Tndiuka10 on Fri, 05/12/2023 - 21:13
Hi Caregiver and welcome to…
By JanineT GRACE … on Fri, 05/12/2023 - 14:20
Hi Bob, Welcome to Grace.  I…
By JanineT GRACE … on Tue, 05/02/2023 - 12:29