Complications that are associated with bone metastases include pain, bone loss, hypercalcemia, and decreased blood cell production.

Pain: A common complication, and often the initial symptom of bone metastases, is bone pain. The thick membrane that covers each bone, called the periosteum, has many nerves, making it a highly sensitive tissue. Damage or pressure to this tissue caused by bone metastases may result in a great deal of pain. Bone pain can be debilitating to the point that it compromises a patient’s ability to manage normal day-to-day activities. Bone pain due to metastases may be hard to differentiate from ordinary low back pain or arthritis. The most notable difference is that pain due to bone metastasis is typically more constant, even at night.

Bone loss: Bone loss occurs when there is decreased calcification or reduced density of the bones. The result is weak bones that are at increased risk of fracture. Bone loss in the leg or hip bones can be a serious condition because these are major weight-bearing bones and fractures in these areas are often debilitating.

Hypercalcemia:An increased level of calcium in the bloodstream is called hypercalcemia. This disorder results from the destruction of bone associated with metastases. Hypercalcemia can be a life-threatening condition.

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