Bone scan lighting up but CT scan clear?

brittandherboobs

Hey all, it’s been a long time since I’ve logged in here.

I am 26 years old and was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer in February of 2019, segmental mastectomy in March (no lymph node involvement) finished AC+T chemo in November 2019, finished rads January 3rd, 2020.

I was having some back pain (which has since subsided), and was sent for a CT, came back clear. Then sent for a bone scan, oncologist said there was an area that lit up on my spine in line with my belly button... but says he’s not super concerned because my CT was completely clear. He’s sending me for an MRI to put it to rest. I’m freaking out, constant panic attacks and cant calm down. Any thoughts?

Anonymous

As the bone scan and CT don't correlate he may be using the MRI as the 'tie breaker' - other things can light up a bone scan other than mets, its a non-specific test (just shows where a problem may be, but not what it is), while the MRI will show exactly what is causing the bone scan to light up. He is likely not worried as just one location lit up, which could be caused by old trauma or degenerative processes. If it was a bunch of spots on the bone scan, that would be a different story, but the MRI is to confirm the hypothesis that it is likely something benign, but given your past history needs to be investigated fully.

I know its difficult to wait, but the lack of CT correlation, your back pain subsiding, and the one spot on the bone scan would suggest it is more likely to be benign than malignant.

KBeee

Hoping the MRI gives all good news. It sounds like they are being extra cautious. Bone scans can light up for a couple different reasons.

2019whatayear

When I had scans b/4 starting chemo my CT was clear and then I had the bone scan and there was one spot on my pelvis so my MO sent me for an MRI. To put it mildly I was so, so scared. The MRI allowed them to see the bone scan spot was a bony island. Based on what you are saying I think you logically have a good likelihood that what showed on your spine is Nbd, but I know you'll be worried until you get the results back -- I about had a heart attack when they said the soonest they could schedule me for the MRI was on friday when I was calling to schedule (it was a monday when I called. ) I was a mess. I was like is there anyway I can come in today or tomorrow? I hope you get the MRI asap and you get results extra fast!