====== Thoracic Vertebral osteolytic metastases ======

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see also [[Spinal metastases]].
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Thoracic vertebral osteolytic metastases refer to the spread of cancer cells to the thoracic spine, which is the part of the spine that runs from the base of the neck to the bottom of the rib cage. The metastases can cause the bone tissue to break down and become weak, which can lead to pain, spinal cord compression, and other complications.

Thoracic vertebral osteolytic metastases can occur in various types of cancer, including breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and multiple myeloma. The metastases can weaken the bone and make it more prone to fractures, which can further damage the spinal cord and surrounding nerves.

===== Clinical features =====
These metastases can cause a range of clinical features, including:

Back pain: This is the most common symptom of thoracic vertebral metastases. It can be a dull ache or a sharp, stabbing pain that is worse with movement or pressure.

Spinal cord compression: In some cases, the metastases can compress the spinal cord, leading to neurological symptoms such as numbness, tingling, weakness, and difficulty walking.

Fractures: The metastases can weaken the vertebrae, making them more prone to fracture. This can cause sudden and severe back pain, as well as difficulty moving.

Loss of height: As the vertebrae are weakened, they can collapse and cause a loss of height.

Bowel or bladder dysfunction: If the spinal cord is compressed, it can affect the nerves that control bowel and bladder function, leading to incontinence or constipation.

Respiratory symptoms: If the metastases are large enough, they can compress the lungs and cause shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

Fatigue: Cancer-related fatigue is a common symptom and can be caused by the cancer itself or the treatments used to manage it.

It is important to note that not all patients with thoracic vertebral osteolytic metastases will experience all of these symptoms, and the severity of the symptoms can vary depending on the size and location of the metastases.

===== Treatment =====

[[Thoracic Vertebral osteolytic metastases treatment]]