Bone Scan concern

Maryellen6

Hello...I have not posted for several years but come here often.

I was diagnosed six years last May with Invasive Lobular with Mets to three lymph nodes. I had a double mastectomy, 8 rounds of ACT and reconstruction. I also had Pulmonary embolisms after the implant surgery. Also did letrozole for 4+years.

Recently I have had lower back pain so my oncologist ordered an MRI of lumbar and thoracic spine and a Bone Scan.

The MRI stated lots of degenerative issues and small buldges but no evidence of metastisis. The bone scan also showed numerous degenerative issues. But one area, the posterior right chest, between ribs 3-4 showed a subtle focus of uptake and findings were uncertain. The radiologist said consider evaluation with a CT of chest.

First, I don't know what "subtle focus of uptake" means. I really have not noticed any pain in that area either.

I am very worried that something is lurking in that area. I see my oncologist on Tuesday. Has anyone ever heard the term "subtle focus of uptake"?. And does metastisis appear in only one spot?

Thank you for any comments.

Anonymous

Hello, yes, it is possible to have just a single bone met (or other organ met). As for the "subtle focus of uptake" I am no expert and I get PET rather than bone scan but I would assume that means the metabolic activity was not so strong, but there was some activity that was stronger than normal.

"Uptake" refers to the metabolic activity of the area (the "uptake" of the tracer that we're injected with) - there can still be causes other than cancer for this kind of result on the scan.

Maryellen6

Olma61..Thank you so much for this explanation. It was very helpful.

Anonymous

You're most welcome and I'm wishing you a good result! : )

Alicethecat2

Hello Maryellen6

I had a bit of uptake on a bone scan seven ago. T4 rib. Turned out I'd knocked myself on something. Repeat scan six months late was clear. Natural bone repair.

Hoping for the same for you.

Alice

KBeee

Hoping you get answers. Keep us posted.