After some time a tumor may spread to other bone and soft tissues and cause a tumor there also. These are called metastatic tumors. Metastatic tumors most commonly spread via blood stream. Generally the metastases are seen in bone tissue not soft tissue.

3 different types of tumors can cause metastasis to the bone. These are osteoclastic (with bone destruction), osteoblastic (with bone production) and mix types. The mechanical resistance of the bone is impaired in all three types and pathologic fractures are encountered.

While diagnosis of metastatic tumors can be made with routine bone scans they can also be made with findings such as pain, mass development or swelling. Sometimes detection of the metastatic mass can be the first diagnosis of the disease.

Once a metastatic lesion is uncovered the body must be scanned for additional metastases. After the scanning the most appropriate treatment will be selected according to the number, location and fracture risk of the metastatic masses.

While selecting treatment methods, current life functions should be aimed to be recovered quickly.