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 patien
ts died within 14 months of symptoms onset and 22.7% were alive after
2 years. Although the prognosis is grave and unaffected by the treatme
nt 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.