Secondary bone cancer in the spine. Sagittal computed tomography (CT) scan of the lumbar (lower back) spine of a 51-year-old woman with breast cancer, showing secondary cancers (metastases) in the vertebrae (spinal bones). The scan shows diffuse bone metastases (dark patches) throughout the lumbar spine, with a fracture of the body of the L2 vertebra (upper left). The prognosis is poor when a cancer has spread from its primary site to the patient's bones.