Has anyone known of head and neck cancer spreading to the bones in the back? I have recently had scans because of pain in my back which have shown a problem with a bone in my back. It seems to be cancer, and I had a biospy yesterday which will confirm if it is secondary cancer or primary. For those of you not familar with my story I was diagnosed with tongue cancer at 19. I am now 23 and facing this awful disease again. I am very scared

Dear Clare

I am so sorry to hear about this new problem 3 years after your tongue cancer. It is rare for metastasis of a mouth cancer to the spine.

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Once in the bloodstream, the cancer cell must fight the body's defenses and try to reattach itself in a new location. Fewer than 1 in 10,000 cancer cells survive circulation to create a new tumor. The circulation of the blood plays a significant role in determining where cancer cells travel. The cancer cells usually get trapped in the first set of capillaries they encounter downstream from their point of entry. Frequently these capillaries are in the lungs, since returning deoxygenated venous blood leaving many organs is returned to the lungs for reoxigenation. From the intestines, the blood goes to the liver first, so cancer cells leaving the intestines will go there. The lungs and the liver are the two most common sites for metastasis in the human body. Once in a new site, the cells must again penetrate the basement membrane of the blood vessel and establish itself in the new tissue.

Take things calmly and deal with things as they arise and hope for the best as I am hoping for you. We are here to talk to, whenever you want.

Best wishes
Vinod

Hello Clare,
I am deeply sorry to hear of your new worries. It's not as if you haven't suffered enough. A few months after my RT finished, (following a neck dissection), I had deep aches in my lower back and thigh bones. Talk about worry - I asked the consultant the same question and he answered exactly as Dr. Joshi. - It's virtually unheard of for a SCC to metastasise in this way.
I do hope that this is the case for you too.

I had various tests - no bone cancer - big relief. The aches and pains cleared up after a few months or so.

Good luck girl - Tony

I have heard that secondary bone cancer is incurable is this right?

Dear Clare Hello again sweetheart. I remember your story well from a few years ago and how you battled on after your illness determined to achieve your degree and ultimately gaining a first! We were, and still are, so proud of you. I am so sorry to hear this latest news and just pray that there is some other explanation for the pain in your back. In any event, I know you will fight this with the same determination and positive attitude that you have shown in the past. We are all here for you. With love Brenda x

Hi Clare, I also remember you well from your earlier postings. I can see by your last question that you are really worried. I really dont know the answer, but there are some ladies on the Breast cancer care website who have been living with bone metasteses for years. The treatment seems to be Biphosphonates.
I truly hope your results are good & you can get this worry from your mind.Lots of love.

Of course you are scared, dear one. You are so young and have endured such a great deal already. I am holding out HOPE that the biopsy will NOT reveal bone metastasis. If, God forbid, the biopsy does reveal cancer, I STILL hold out hope for you my friend. There is ALWAYS hope. It is insanely unfair that you, once again, are so very frightened and facing the unknown. I absolutely hate it for you in a big way! But, if there is any way humanly possible for you to fight any negative or dismal thoughts between now and biopsy results day, I pray with all my heart you will stay focused and mentally strong. Whatever happens, there are people here on this site who care deeply for you and unite their collective well wishes, thoughts, and positive energies, heart-to-heart-to-heart-to-heart... all on YOUR behalf. May God give you peace as you await the biopsy results and strength in abundance for whatever lies ahead.

Will be looking for your upcoming posts, anticipating and praying for the best.

From my heart,

Melanie