Degenerative changes in spine?

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Liz08
Liz08 Member Posts: 470
edited June 2014 in HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer

Hi everyone-

When I was initially diagnosed with stage T1MIC (DCIS with less than 1mm of a microinvation) bc in Febuary 08', my oncologist ordered  a baseline CT scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis and all was normal. I also had a baseline bone scan which was normal.

 I need help understanding my most recent CT-scan report.  Last week I had a ct scan of my chest, abdomen and pelvis because of digestive issues.  All came back normal except the following comment is making me nervous "Bone windows demonstrate NO lytic or blastic lesions".(I know if there are bone mets then lytic/blastic lesions are usually present.)  

"Degenerative changes are present in the spine" .   My back has been bothering me on and off but lately it's been fine and not getting worse.  After reading my report I spoke to my primary physician she said that comment is nothing to worry about because degenerative changes usually relate to arthritis.   Is this common with someone who is only 39 years old?  Could this degeneration be caused by mets even though there are no lytic or blastic lesions present in the bone windows?  I have read that mets show up differently from degerative changes but am still worried. May be I'm reading into this too much but 9-10 months ago my spine was fine and now I have degenrative changes present in the spine.  

Can anyone offer any input...please. 

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  • Sassa
    Sassa Member Posts: 1,588
    edited December 2008

    While I am older than 39 (58 to be exact) I know that I have degenerative changes in my cervical spine.  In my case the changes have probably been present for years as a result of carrying freak of nature large breasts around for most of my life.

    The funny thing is that my neck didn't bother me until I had bilateral mastectomies - the loss of the weight must have sent shock waves through my muscles and bone structure.

    The degenerative changes can be caused by many things.  My 25 yo daughter has degenerative changes showing up in her mid and lower spine as a results of falls she has taken doing jumps and footwork in figure skating.

     It is possible that the changes were present 9 - 10 months ago but were not commented on.  I have had several CT/PET scans over the past two years; it is interesting to see what is commented on in each report and is never mentioned again.

    In your case, the reading radiologist for the current CT  scan noted the change and made sure that there were no lesions present.  I wouldn't be surprised if the changes are not mentioned again if the condition remains stable.

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  • 07rescue
    07rescue Member Posts: 168
    edited December 2008

    Degenerative changes of the spine are very common, and very often are completely asymptomatic. Young people have them as well as older, and they are often and incidental finding during imaging. They do not imply metatstasis at all.

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  • Liz08
    Liz08 Member Posts: 470
    edited December 2008

    Sassa & Rescue-

    Thank You for sharing your knowledge. I spoke to my oncologist who reviewed my scan and felt that they were just degenerative changes but since I am still worried and have had some new aches and pains this year he agreed to do a bone scan to ease my anxiety.

    Does anyone know if usually a bone scan is of the whole body or only the area of concern?                                             

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  • henny
    henny Member Posts: 89
    edited December 2008

    If you have a history of cancer then you should have a whole body(head to toe) bone scan, but if you have only a scan of your spine that is really just as good because that includes everything except your arms and legs  

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  • Liz08
    Liz08 Member Posts: 470
    edited December 2008

    Thank you Henny for responsing-

    I found out the other day my doctor ordered a whole body scan. 

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  • TammyLou
    TammyLou Member Posts: 740
    edited December 2008

    I don't know about 39  year olds. 

    I know about 40, 41, 42, 43 and 44 year olds.

    Yup.

    Such degenerative changes are "common"  or AT LEAST, it's happening to both of us.

    Tammy Lou...diagnosed  (barely) age 40, January 2005...scanned annually.

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  • Liz08
    Liz08 Member Posts: 470
    edited December 2008

    Thanks TammyLou!

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  • Fllorik
    Fllorik Member Posts: 1,351
    edited December 2008

    Bone scans are for specific areas. I just want to chime in with everyone else ...degenerative changes in your back are normal.

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  • Liz08
    Liz08 Member Posts: 470
    edited December 2008
    Thank you Fllorik Laughing!
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