Many malignant tumours, apart from those already mentioned, can “jump” or metastasize to other locations. Those most commonly going to bone are cancer of the breast, lung, and prostate (making up close to 80% of all bony metastases); with cancer of the kidney, gastrointestinal system, thyroid and blood-derived (eg multiple myeloma or lymphoma) making up close to 20%.

Generally speaking, metastases should be treated like primary bone tumours, taking into account the patients overall position with respect to their original diagnosis and prognosis. This can be a very difficult area to navigate, and all treatment plans should be individualised to the patient in consultation with the patient’s oncologist.