Degeneration vs. Mets

EvasMom

Hi,

 I recently had a CT scan because of some rib pain. The CT scan found nothing cancerous.  But it did say that I have mild degenerative signs in the thoracic spine.  

 Should I be concerned about this at all? I've read elsewhere that degeneration is rare in the thoracic spine, because the rib cage stabilizes that area, plus that breast cancer metastasis often goes to the thoracic spine.

 So I can't help wondering if there's any chance that metastasis could either 1) be what's causing degeneration, or 2) be mistaken for degeneration? How accurate are CT scans for this sort of issue? Thanks.     

dlb823

I don't know the answer to you question, but thought I'd stop and bump it so that someone who does might be more likely to see it.  The only thought that crossed my mind is (and I don't know the answer either), is "degeneration" or "degenerative signs" ever used to describe normal, osteopenic changes?   Deanna

IllinoisNancy

Hi,

I order back xrays on all of our new employees at my work place and almost every one of them has mild degeneration in the thoracic spine if they're over 25.  It is more common than someone not having mild degereration.

Have a good day,

Nancy

Megadotz

I've heard the term used to describe the osteoarthritis that often occurs with age.   At least that's what was explained to me when I had an MRI of neck a while back.

You might want to check with your doctor about this.