Will a bone scan light up an area where an bone tumor was removed years before or does it mean the tumor has possibly returned?

It depends.: Depends on the pattern and morphology of where the bone scan is hot. If it lights up in a focal fashion, it would be at least possible that a tumor could have returned, or a second new tumor could have formed. Alternatively, if the bone scan lights up along the margin of surgical resection, it could simply represent normal bone healing that is expected after an orthopedic procedure.

Sometimes: Bone scan is very sensitive for bone metabolism but not very specific.Causes of increased activity include tumor, size and deformity of the bone may cause prolonged uptake due to continual remodeling of the bone.Injuring with a fracture and indolent infection in the area can elicit bone response. Recurrence of tumor is another possibility. Usually other imaging correlation ct, radiogragh, mr.

See details: A nuclear medicine bone scan would show areas where there is active bone remodeling (creation) happening. If the surgery was many years ago, the uptake in that region should not be more than other normal areas. If it is more prominent, suggest possible tumor recurrence. More imaging studies like MRI would be indicated and final biopsy for confirmation.