A 70-year-old man with prostate cancer develops severe back pain. X-ray of the lumbar spine reveals diffuse osteoblastic lesions. What is the most common site of skeletal metastasis in prostate cancer?
- A Cervical vertebrae
- B Lumbar vertebrae ✓
- C Thoracic vertebrae
- D Femoral shaft
Correct answer: B. Lumbar vertebrae
Explanation
The lumbar spine is the most common site for osteoblastic metastasis in prostate cancer due to the valveless venous plexus of Batson connecting the prostate to the pelvic and lumbar vertebrae. Cervical and femoral shaft metastases are less common.
Reference: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.