Back pain is a common condition, and most instances are not cancer-related. However, if back pain persists without a clear cause, is not linked to injury or aging, and is accompanied by unusual signs or risk factors, individuals should seek medical evaluation. Cancer-related back pain often arises when tumors metastasize to the spine or compress surrounding structures.
Spinal tumors
Spinal tumors can develop within the vertebrae or the protective membranes surrounding the spinal cord. The spine is a common site for bone metastases, where cancer originates in another organ and spreads. Metastasis to the thoracic spine can cause upper back pain.
Warning signs of bone metastasis include weak bones prone to fractures, weakness or numbness in the abdomen or legs, difficulty with leg movement, urinary or fecal incontinence, and muscle and joint pain.
Lung cancer
According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), lung cancer frequently metastasizes to the spine. Lung tumors can also compress the spine, impacting nerve transmission to the lower back. Individuals with lung cancer often experience fatigue, shortness of breath, and coughing up blood-tinged phlegm, alongside lower back pain.
Breast cancer
Back pain can be a symptom of breast cancer when malignant cells metastasize to the back, according to the AANS. Similar to lung cancer, breast tumors may compress nerves connected to the spine, leading to back pain.
Digestive system cancers
Stomach, colon, and rectal cancers can cause lower back pain due to metastatic malignant cells. Individuals with these cancers may also experience rapid weight loss or bloody stools.
Multiple myeloma, lymphoma, and melanoma, as well as ovarian, kidney, thyroid, and prostate cancers, can also result in back pain.
Treatment depends on the cancer type and stage, including surgery to remove tumors or chemotherapy and radiation therapy to shrink them. Doctors may also prescribe pain medication to alleviate symptoms.
Cancer-related back pain is not always severe, making it easy to overlook or mistake for common causes. Individuals with a personal or family history of cancer, who experience the following symptoms, should seek early medical attention:
- Sudden back pain unrelated to injury
- Back pain not related to movement or not worsening with activity
- Back pain that typically occurs at night or early morning and lessens or resolves during the day
- Persistent back pain despite physical therapy or other treatments
- A noticeable deformity on the spine
- Blood in urine or stool
- Unexplained, sudden weight loss
- Unexplained fatigue
- Weakness, numbness, or tingling in the arms or legs.
Anh Ngoc (According to Healthline)
