Can a bone density test reveal metastasis?

Lolita

Hello,

I had a bone density study a week or so ago because I want to go on Zometa as a breast cancer preventative.  My oncologist left me a message yesterday that he wanted to talk to me.  He has never called me before. My hips have been hurting lately, and that is the area they scanned.  Does anyone know whether a bone density test could reveal metastasis?  I am in a bit of a panic, and I am worried that I won't hear from him again soon enough.  Lolita

amoccia53160

No.  Bone density tests can not reveal mets.  Probably have osteopenia and he wants to start you on a biophosphate medication like Zometa.  Good luck.  xxoo Annette

Lolita

Thank you!!!

Sue-61

Agreed! You need some pretty high tech testing (maybe MRI or CAT scan) to dx mets. I asked the same question when I had my first bone density done. The technician looked at me like I was a lunatic. And for that I was grateful.

Try to relax, Sue 

grneyd5600

I just had my bone density done last week and I asked the same question Lolita.  Tech told me no but did tell me it is so critical for us BC ladies to have it done especially those of us that are ER+ because they need a baseline to watch our bone health.  The ER blocking drugs (Tamoxifin, Arimidex & Aromasin) can affect the bone heath.  I am sure the DR is just going to make sure you get the extra bone meds you need to keep them healthy.  Hang in there!!!!!

TenderIsOurMight

I asked this question once too. The radiologist said if a metastasis was directly under the beam of the bone density xray then it might show up if large enough. Sounds reasonable to me. The corollary is that since most will not have metastasis, especially directly under the bone density beam xray, then no, a bone density test will not reveal metastasis.

Alway's thinking, aren't we? Good luck to you.

Tender 

ravdeb

I'm going to say that I highly doubt that a bone density test would show mets. I just spoke to an oncologist who said that it's very difficult, unless it's extensive, to diagnose bone mets to begin with and since bone density isn't used for that then..I say it's all about osteroporosis...

lago

No it can't. I was sent the results of my bone density test from my onc. In the letter she recommended calcium supplements and at least 30 minutes a day of walking (Ha I do more than that!) because of slight osteopenia.

But when I say her yesterday she talked to me about going on Zometa when I start Armidex. Gave me a print out of the study and talked about some of the side effects.

TenderIsOurMight

Let's not forget that bone density scans use radiation as their basis. As I said, if a large enough metastatic lesion is directly under the exact site of the bone density scan radiation scanner, is is remotely possible, but obviously statistically unlikely, that a large enough lesion in a bone might be picked up.

Bone Density Scans are NOT used for detection of metastasis. Bone Scans are instead. But the question was as posed, and that is what I answered.  There are few absolutes in medicine.

Peace to all this Thanksgiving season,

Tender 

Lowrider54

A bone scan will, a bone density scan won't.  I am treating with Aredia for my mets which is a bone strengthener and we just did a baseline bone density test.  I have bone mets and get a PET scan every 6 months and an interium MRI is I present with any issues.  I imagine a bone density test will be done periodically during the course of treatment but have only had the baseline up to now.

Lolita

Thank you so much for your responses.  Its been a couple days, and I still haven't been able to speak directly to my oncologist!  I would have been in a complete panic all this time without your assurances. Lolita

KJWLAM

Apparently it can.....

http://journals.aace.com/doi/pdf/10.4158/ACCR-2017-0163

https://www.cancercenter.com/treatments/dexa-scan/

https://www.endocrine-abstracts.org/ea/0050/ea0050EP039

KBeee

This is a very only post, but for the purpose of anyone searching the question, the DEXA scan may in rare cases (of advanced disease) have changes that lead to further investigation and bone metastasis may be discovered, but when a person has symptoms that need to be examined for metastasis, a bone scan is indicated, not a DEXA scan.