U.S. doctors online nowAsk doctors free
CA
A 38-year-old member asked:

Does the doctor need to do to tests to be sure if the diagnosis is bone metastases?

2 doctor answers6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Nancy Mckinney
Hematology and Oncology 21 years experience
Usually: Bone metastases are where cancer from one site (breast, prostate, lung) spreads through the blood and begins to grow in the bone. This can have a characteristic appearance on scans. The way to prove it is cancer is to take a biopsy. However, if cancer has already been diagnosed, bone metastases can be diagnosed by a characteristic bone scan or other radiographic test.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Andrew Turrisi
Radiation Oncology 49 years experience
Sometimes: In many cases, it is not necessary because there is established progressed cancer and this is another manifestation, but if there is one lesion, no prior record of metastasis, it is quite reasonable to biopsy to prove metastasis.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

Related questions

A 27-year-old male asked:
Does X-ray detect bone metastases?
2 doctor answers6 doctors weighed in
A 39-year-old member asked:
What are ill-defined osteolytic lesions in bone metastases? How do you treat them?
1 doctor answer3 doctors weighed in
A 31-year-old member asked:
Why doctors don't operate on the breast if there are already metastases in liver?
1 doctor answer1 doctor weighed in
A 42-year-old member asked:
What does bone metastases cause?
1 doctor answer1 doctor weighed in
Last updated Jan 12, 2016

Disclaimer:

Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.