Bone Density DEXA scan?

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Faith316
Faith316 Member Posts: 2,431
edited June 2014 in Stage III Breast Cancer

When I go back to MDA in January, one of the tests my doctor has ordered is a bone density DEXA scan.  I have done the little outpatient thing at the wellness screenings at my workplace where they have you put your heel in this little device and it gives you a T-score to predict risk of osteoporosis.  I know this is the same type of test but just full body (or maybe just spine and hips).  Does anybody know if this test shows only bone density or will bone mets also be picked up by this test?  Also, do you feel closed in during this test?  (I'm claustrophobic, althought the PET/CT doesn't bother me.)  Anybody know answers to these questions?

Thanks in advance.

Faith

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  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited September 2010

    Faith..as far as I know and i had 2 of them is only for the density not for mets.

    They do bone scan for mets with a different machine.

    Sheila

    PS No you dont feel closed in because everything is open. I will post a picture for you.

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  • LRM216
    LRM216 Member Posts: 2,115
    edited September 2010

    No, it is only to test for osteoporis and degree of bone loss. I laid on a table in the breast mammogram section of the Women's Center of the hospital, flat on my back and I think I had a wedge under my knees - took about 10 mins or so.  No surprises, etc., just restful.

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  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited September 2010

    This is the machine and you dont even get undressed or anything no prep nothing.

    it takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

    Good Luck

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  • CoolBreeze
    CoolBreeze Member Posts: 4,668
    edited September 2010

    Yeah, it's the easiest test I ever did.  You like there, fully clothed on a table and it's open.  It takes just a few minutes and you are done.  They measured my hips and part of my spine.  I ended up finding out I had degenerative disc disease in my back (never knew that and had no pain) and also moderate osteopenia.  So, I got zometa.

    It will not diagnose mets.  

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  • Faith316
    Faith316 Member Posts: 2,431
    edited September 2010

    Thanks for your replies.  Especially the picture.  It always helps to have an idea of what things are going to look like and be like.  I already know that I have degenerative disc disease as do most adults.  So that part will not be a surprise for me.  Thanks again.

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  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited September 2010

    I had a test for bone mets before my surgery in the nuclear medicine department. I was told that it wasn't for bone density.

    Now that I am about to start chemo then anastrozole my oncologist wants me to now have a bone density test.

    So yes they are two different tests.

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  • CoolBreeze
    CoolBreeze Member Posts: 4,668
    edited September 2010

    I didn't have to put my knees up like in that picture.  I think I had a small wedge pillow and that's it.

    I didn't know most adults had degenerative disc disease either!  Tongue out

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  • Titan
    Titan Member Posts: 2,956
    edited September 2010

    Faith...see..it really is painless...I've had 2 done...not a big deal..if you have osteorposis they will give you drugs to help build your bones up and slow it down.  if you don't have it you will just have to have calcium to keep it it that way.

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  • clariceak
    clariceak Member Posts: 752
    edited September 2010

    Another advantage of a bone scan is that it may pick up bone loss and then you'll be eligible for a presciption of Zometa to prevent further loss.  No fussing from the insurance company and you'll receive the potential benefits of Zometa to help prevent reoccurance..

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