Sacral metastases MRI

Sacral metastases refer to cancerous cells that have spread to the sacral bone from another part of the body. This occurs as part of the process known as metastasis, where cancer cells break away from the original tumor, travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, and form new tumors in other organs or tissues.

Causes

Sacral metastases usually arise from cancers that have a tendency to spread to the bone. The most common types of primary cancers that may lead to sacral metastases include:

• Breast cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Lung cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Thyroid cancer

Symptoms

Symptoms of sacral metastases can vary depending on the extent of bone involvement and whether there are associated complications like nerve compression. Common symptoms include:

• Persistent, progressive pain in the lower back, hips, or legs
• Numbness or weakness in the legs
• Difficulty with bowel and bladder function
• Reduced mobility

Diagnosis

Diagnosing sacral metastases typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation and imaging studies, along with biopsy if necessary. Common diagnostic tools include:

• X-rays: Useful for detecting changes in bone structure.
• MRI and CT scans: Provide detailed images of bone and surrounding soft tissues, helping to assess the extent of tumor spread.
• Bone scans: Help in identifying active bone lesions that may not be visible on X-rays.
• Biopsy: Involves taking a small sample of tissue from the sacral area to confirm the presence of cancer cells.

Treatment

Treatment for sacral metastases is primarily aimed at controlling pain and maintaining mobility, as well as addressing the primary cancer. Treatment options include:

• Radiation therapy: Can be effective in relieving pain and reducing the size of the metastatic tumors.
• Surgery: In cases where there is significant structural damage to the sacrum or risk of fracture, surgery might be necessary to stabilize the bone and alleviate nerve compression.
• Chemotherapy and Hormonal Therapy: Depending on the primary cancer, these treatments might be used to control the spread of cancer.
• Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy: These newer treatments are selected based on the specific genetic markers and characteristics of the cancer cells and can be effective against some types of tumors.