which cancers spread to spine
When breast cancer spreads to the spine, it's known as bone metastasis. And unfortunately yes, breast cancer that has spread to the bones may spread to other areas such as the brain as well. This happens when cancer cells break away from the primary tumor and travel through the circulatory system. The most common areas for breast cancer to spread are the bones, lung, liver, and brain.
However, just because breast cancer has spread to the spine doesn't mean that it will spread to other areas. Doctors can treat the new tumors with radiation and new medications called bisphosphonates can block the progression of tumor cells in the bone and prevent the cancer from spreading to other organs.
Spread to Bone. Roughly 30 to 40 percent of people with advanced lung cancer have spread (metastases) to bones. The most common bones to be affected are the spine (especially the vertebrae in the chest and lower abdominal area), the pelvis, and the upper bones of the arms and legs (humerus and femur).
Neurologic complications continue to pose problems in patients with metastatic prostate cancer. From 15 to 30 percent of metastases are the result of prostate cancer cells traveling through Batson's plexus to the lumbar spine. Metastatic disease in the lumbar area can cause spinal cord compression.