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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
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Models of Bone Metastasis
Published on: September 4, 2012
Skeletal metastases from soft-tissue sarcomas. Incidence, patterns, and radiological features
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Osaka Medical Centre for Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases and Osaka University Medical School, Japan.
Summary
Skeletal metastases occurred in 10.1% of soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) patients, with higher rates in specific subtypes. Most bone metastases were osteolytic and often led to pathological fractures.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) is a rare malignancy.
- Skeletal metastases are a significant complication of STS.
- Understanding the patterns of bone metastasis is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence, distribution, timing, and radiological features of skeletal metastases in STS patients.
- To identify STS histological subtypes with a higher propensity for bone metastasis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 277 STS patients treated between 1975 and 1995.
- Analysis of patient records for the presence and characteristics of skeletal metastases.
- Correlation of metastasis patterns with STS histological subtypes.
Main Results:
- Skeletal metastases were identified in 10.1% of patients (28/277) at a mean of 18.6 months post-admission.
- Higher incidences were observed in alveolar soft-part sarcoma, dedifferentiated liposarcoma, angiosarcoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma.
- Regional and axial bones were commonly affected (46.4% and 64.3%, respectively).
- Metastatic lesions were predominantly osteolytic (predominant radiological finding).
- Pathological fractures occurred in 21 of 44 metastatic lesions.
Conclusions:
- Skeletal metastases are a notable complication of STS, varying by histological subtype.
- Osteolytic lesions and pathological fractures are common radiological findings.
- Early detection and management strategies for bone metastases in STS are warranted.
