Question 1

is dark spot appearing on bones by bone scan cancer?

Accepted Answer

Could be...: ...But bone scans can be non specific and other events happening in the bone (even arthritis or old fractures) can show up too.  Needs to be put in context. Why was it done?  Any symptoms?  Do you have already been diagnosed with cancer?  Old trauma?  Whosoever ordered that test needs to sit with you and go over its implications and what else to do. Best to you.

Question 2

i have to have a bone scan because of scoliosis. can having this give me cancer?

Accepted Answer

Probably not: A bone scan is done by administering a dose of a radioactive isotope into the blood stream. By itself, this is not harmful. However, low doses of radiation exposure over a prolonged time can lead to cancer, though the amount needed to do this is not really known. As long as you do not need frequent tests requiring radiation exposure, there is little risk from a single bone scan.

Question 3

could a bad scoliosis cause a wrong interpretation of a bone scan, looking for cancer?

Accepted Answer

Unlikely: While the bones scan would likely be abnormal, the reader can interpert based on the obviousfinding, and suggest the prospect whether it is from the conditon or likley to be metastasis.  Mets are usually not just to one bone, but multiple non-adjacent bones, never crossing joint spaces.

Question 4

what is the specific name of a "bone scan" that docs use to look for cancer? want to read up on it for loved one, learn about pros and cons, etc.

Accepted Answer

Bone scan : Number of different proceadures but the scan you want simply called "bone scan".

Question 5

are all bone scan hot spots some sort of cancer?

Accepted Answer

No -Nonspecific: Called "false positives" when this is the case.  Can be in joints (common); prior fractures; benign bony abnormalities. Next step may be mri, plain x-rays or biopsy t better characterize or define cause.

Question 6

could a bone scan pick up on dead cancer cells after one has been treated for bone cancer?

Accepted Answer

No: Bone scan is a crude way of measuring active disease in bone.  There are more sensitive tests available now.  It does not pick up dead cells. But not showing active disease in an area where it was showing disease, "lack of uptake" is a good sign.

Question 7

could a deformed spine (scoliosis) mess up a bone scan which is looking for possible cancer?

Accepted Answer

Maybe: Bone scans simply detect increased bone metabolism; they are not specific for cancer. If scoliosis is progressing and there is more activity in the vertebrae, it could be a false positive. If the activity is away from the spine, cancer is more likely.

Question 8

is it ever that a bone scan pick up on dead cancer cells after one has been treated for bone cancer?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Bone scan is usually repeated to evaluate the progress of treatment.

Question 9

why would prostate levels jump from under 5 to 26.5 in 6 months: my uncle had prostate cancers few years ago and is 76 years old. bone scan is done?

Accepted Answer

Metastasis: With psa over 20, there is a strong possibility of metastatic disease.  Absolutely needs a bone scan and urologic follow up.

Question 10

prostat cancer bone scan shows o pelvic area is that serius? canit be treated& what's the life expectncy? not spreded anywhere just ther &outtr prostat

Accepted Answer

Discuss w/oncologist: Prostate cancer which has spread to bone is not curable WITH CURRENTLY AVAILABLE treatments.  However, current treatments can improve quality of life and duration of survival for years. Hormonal therapy is usual first-line treatment.

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Doctor answers about:

Bone scan arthritis or cancer

A member asked:

Is dark spot appearing on bones by bone scan cancer?

A member asked:

I have to have a bone scan because of scoliosis. can having this give me cancer?

A member asked:

Could a bad scoliosis cause a wrong interpretation of a bone scan, looking for cancer?

A member asked:

What is the specific name of a "bone scan" that docs use to look for cancer? want to read up on it for loved one, learn about pros and cons, etc.

A member asked:

Are all bone scan hot spots some sort of cancer?

A member asked:

Could a bone scan pick up on dead cancer cells after one has been treated for bone cancer?

A member asked:

Could a deformed spine (scoliosis) mess up a bone scan which is looking for possible cancer?

A member asked:

Is it ever that a bone scan pick up on dead cancer cells after one has been treated for bone cancer?

A member asked:

Why would prostate levels jump from under 5 to 26.5 in 6 months: my uncle had prostate cancers few years ago and is 76 years old. bone scan is done?

A member asked:

Prostat cancer bone scan shows o pelvic area is that serius? canit be treated& what's the life expectncy? not spreded anywhere just ther &outtr prostat

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