Skeletal metastases from unknown primaries - consideration of 71 cases

Seventy-one cases of metastatic bone disease from unknown primary were analyzed retrospectively to assess diagnostic and therapeutic options. Forty-eight were male, and 23 female; average age 56.4 years (range 24-80). The main presenting symptom was pain. Fifty per cent of patients died within 14 months of symptoms onset and 22.7% were alive after 2 years. Although the prognosis is grave and unaffected by the treatment given, an assiduous diagnostic work-up can anticipate problems and indicate appropriate treatment to substantially improve the patient's quality of life and attitude to his disease.