SUMMARY
Metastasis is a factor determining the progression and prognosis of malignant tumors. The nature of tumor spread depends on the tumor biology, age and gender of the patient. Objective. To assess the frequency, pathways and locations of metastases of the most common malignant tumors. Material and Methods. A retrospective analysis of data from 337 women, 201 men and 38 children with cancer was conducted. Bone metastases were assessed using bone scintigraphy. Results. Among women, breast cancer exhibited the highest metastatic activity, with a predominant spread to the spine and pelvic bones. This pattern is linked to vertebral venous plexus involvement and a prolonged asymptomatic course. Uterine cancer rarely resulted in distant bone metastases due to local tumor growth and early clinical detection. Lung cancer showed intermediate bone involvement. In men, prostate cancer had the greatest tendency to metastasize to bone, this is due to the fact that prostate cancer cells have an affinity for bone, especially the spine and pelvis. Lung cancer displayed moderate bone metastatic activity, mainly involving the spine and ribs, corresponding to hematogenous dissemination. Gastrointestinal tumors commonly metastasized to the liver and lungs, with skeletal involvement occurring rarely and usually at advanced stages. In children, embryonal tumors, sarcomas, and lymphomas predominated, characterized by high proliferative activity and early systemic spread. Neuroblastomas frequently involved bones and bone marrow, while lymphomas were systemic at presentation. Sarcomas, including osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma, demonstrated aggressive behavior with early hematogenous and lymphogenous dissemination. Conclusion. Age, gender of the patient and biological characteristics of tumors are key to early diagnosis, accurate staging and selection of optimal treatment strategies. Considering these factors into account improves prognosis, survival and quality of life for patients.
Keywords: diagnosis of metastases, malignant tumors, age, gender

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