Can bone scan indicate arthritis that is actually Mets?

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mugwa1
mugwa1 Member Posts: 11
edited January 2022 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

I have been having mild hip and low back pain for about 5 months. I'm doing recommended back exercises, massage therapy, traction, physio, needling, but nothing seems to be eliminating the pain. The uptake on the bone scan was in my thoracic region which was mild. Moderate uptake also noted at L3 but they indicated they leaned toward it being degenerative. Should I ask for a referral to my Oncologist to see if he wants to order a CT or pet scan or should I just give it more time. I don't want to over react as I have had back pain about 7 years ago and was scanned and it was nothing and eventually went away. I'm almost 64 and expect aches and pains, but this affecting what I am able to do on a daily basis. Any input would be much appreciated.

Thank yo

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  • wrenn
    wrenn Member Posts: 2,707
    edited January 2022

    I don't think it would hurt to do that. I am lucky to have a nurse practitioner who can order scans but if your only way to get it is from oncologist I would ask just to put your mind at ease.

    I have spinal stenosis or degeneration and it doesn't hurt. I think you can get lower back pain or hip pain from bladder infections but then there would probably be other symptoms of that and it wouldn't go on that long.

    I am old and have aches and pains especially before warming up in the morning but nothing that interferes with daily living.

    I hope you are able to get the scan.

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  • ParakeetsRule
    ParakeetsRule Member Posts: 571
    edited January 2022

    Usually when I'm having back or hip pain it's because I'm sitting with horrible posture. But of course each time I wonder, "is it cancer?" and then I realize, no, it hurts because I'm sitting like a pretzel. So maybe look into that too?

    But I think it would be good if you can get in to see your oncologist. They should be aware of any pain that's not going away or getting better, especially if the scans you've had are not ruling out cancer, which it sounds like they aren't?

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  • AliceBastable
    AliceBastable Member Posts: 3,461
    edited January 2022

    I have a lot of back bain all along the length of it. I get fairly regular CTs and a few PETs for another issue, and the reading radiologist just makes a note that I have a lot of degenerative issues, probably benign. That "probably" kind of drives me nuts, but none of the doctors I see (including PCP and oncologist) seem to think it's anything to worry about. The pain level is starting to get to me, but my brain goes to "bad disc" and not anything cancer-related.

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  • gailmary
    gailmary Member Posts: 332
    edited January 2022

    Mugwa, it is not over reacting. Nobody can take better care of you than you. A doctor friend Of mine said to exaggerate your pain if you have to. You have had cancer and yes, it can come back someplace other than your breast and I'm learning a bone scan isnt a tell all. It will miss some cancers. Maybe a pet scan is in order.. Its been 5 months? Don't be sorry you didn't ask sooner. Good luck

    GAILMARY

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  • Krose53
    Krose53 Member Posts: 148
    edited January 2022

    My oncologist followed up my bone scan for hip pain with a CT, just to confirm that it was arthritis. It might reassure you to do the same.

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  • kksmom3
    kksmom3 Member Posts: 183
    edited January 2022

    Krose53 Can I ask what you do for arthritis, I know it isn't breast cancer, but my DH is going thru the same pain, and I wonder what he can do? He is waiting to get an MRI. Sorry this is off-topic, I can delete this if it is not ok.

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  • Krose53
    Krose53 Member Posts: 148
    edited January 2022

    Really, the only thing that helps me is walking. I'm really stiff when I wake up. A hot shower helps me. If it's really bad I have a heating pad that I use. I haven't found any relief with OTC meds. I've tried tumeric but no change in pain. Mine comes and goes

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  • mugwa1
    mugwa1 Member Posts: 11
    edited January 2022

    I think I will contact my GP for a referral to my oncologist and see if he wants to order any further scans. I really appreciate all of you who commented and made recommendations. It means a lot to me. I will keep you posted.

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