Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) Nursing Practice Test

Metastasis to the spine most frequently occurs with which cancers?

1. Colorectal and Pancreatic

2. Breast and Lung

3. Prostate and Liver

4. Renal and Thyroid

The correct answer is: Breast and Lung

Metastasis to the spine is most frequently associated with breast and lung cancers due to the patterns of hematogenous spread these cancers exhibit. Both breast and lung cancers have a high propensity to spread through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, and both are known to frequently metastasize to bone, including the vertebral bodies of the spine. Breast cancer metastasis commonly involves the bones, and the spine is one of the most frequent sites affected. The likelihood of spinal metastasis in breast cancer patients increases with the stage of the disease. Similarly, lung cancer also has a high incidence of metastatic spread to the spine, particularly in advanced stages, because of its aggressive nature and the influence of risk factors like smoking. Other cancers listed such as colorectal, prostate, liver, renal, and thyroid can also metastasize to the spine, but the incidence is comparatively lower. For instance, while prostate cancer is known for bone metastasis, it primarily targets the pelvis and lower spine rather than the vertebrae as commonly as breast and lung cancers do. Understanding the typical metastatic patterns for these various cancers helps guide screening and treatment decisions in oncology nursing practice.