A 55-year-old woman presents with back pain that has worsened over the past few weeks. She has a history of breast cancer. On examination, there is tenderness over the thoracic spine. What could be the possible diagnosis and next steps?
In a patient with a history of cancer, new or worsening back pain raises the concern of metastatic disease to the spine. The next steps should include imaging, starting with an X-ray and potentially followed by an MRI for better visualization. If metastases are confirmed, the patient may require treatments like radiation or chemotherapy, depending on the specifics of her case.