Excerpted from an article by Stacie Overton New research presented at the 30th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Society of Interventional Radiology highlights a way to relieve pain caused by bone tumors. Anthony Ryan, M.D., from Vancouver General Hospital in Canada, presented data on osteoplasty. Osteoplasty is a technique in which doctors inject medical-grade bone cement into tumors. It’s injected as a liquid and, as it hardens, it gives off heat (70 degrees C). This is one of the reasons it’s believed to relieve pain as the intense heat cauterizes nerve endings. The cement stabilized microfractures and reinforces weak bone. It is already an established technique to treat vertebral metastases or fractures in the spine from osteoporosis. Now, radiologists are expanding its use to treat other bones in the body. In this study, researchers performed eight procedures on seven patients. Results show all patients experienced prompt and lasting relief. Also, there were no significant complications. Dr. Ryan says, “Osteoplasty is a safe and effective interventional treatment for cancer pain and gives prompt and dramatic pain relief.” This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/. SOURCE: Stacie Overton and research presented Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.