Can DEXA Scan show Bone Metastasis?

ByFaith

I was diagnosed with stage 1 IDC 2-1/2 years ago, and thank God, no recurrence. Have taken Arimidex since my rads were completed after surgery. Well, Femara for a month (ouch), then Arimidex (bit better) since then. Prior to starting the AI, I had a baseline DEXA bone density scan.  

I'm going for a routine followup DEXA scan and wonder if it has the capability to catch a bone metastasis? I don't have any symptoms. I'm "just" so worried.  I thought I recalled the DEXA technician saying it did not, but I sure could use some reassurance. 

 Thanks. :-) 

Angelfalls

It's my understanding that a DEXA scan only gives information on bone density; a bone scan shows cancer "hot spots".



Good luck with your DEXA!

ByFaith

Thanks Angelfalls, for your reply .. and also for wishing me well on my DEXA. I'm on Arimidex as well.

Looking at your signature, you've had a hard time with this disease since 2003. I hope you're feeling much better now?

Sending hugs...

KJWLAM

I was wondering about this too? I’m due to go for a Dexa scan on 6th February. According to these links it apparently can...

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

In rare cases such as those reported it may, but in general, no. The DEXA scan only looks at a couple focused areas. If you have concerns about bone metastasis, you need a bone scan.

KJWLAM

Thanks Kbeee, I had a bone scan last June but the issues I am having seem to be getting worse despite the scan being negative for mets. I have chronic gnawing pain in my right femur bone (recently it has started in my left too, although not as bad) and also in my left humerus. The bone scan did reveal some degenerative changes in the glenohumeral joint which they weren’t concerned about. My mind is running riot. They are sending me for a DEXA scan on 6th Feb. Do you think it’s possible that the chemo has caused damage? Even with Co-Codomol 30/500mg / Tramadol I struggle to sleep because of the pain. I just have this fear that the degenerative changes were actually bone mets.

KBeee

It must be frustrating to have so much pain, yet no answers. Can they refer you to an orthopedic to help get to the bottom of the pain and see how extensive the degenerative changes are? Pain that keeps you up at night is pain that needs a source determined. Hoping you get to the bottom of it and get some relief soon.

If the chemo kicked you into menopause, it can speed up degenerative changes. Aromatase inhibitors speed it up too.