Can a bone scan tell the difference between cancer and arthritis?

Many changes that show up on a bone scan are not cancer. With arthritis, the radioactive material tends to show up on the bone surfaces of joints, not inside the bone. But it can be hard to tell the difference between arthritis and cancer — especially in the spine.

Are bone scans safe?

A bone scan carries no greater risk than conventional X-rays. The tracers in the radioactive substance used in a bone scan produce very little radiation exposure. The risk of having an allergic reaction to the tracers is low. However, the test may be unsafe for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

How do you feel after a bone scan?

You may experience fleeting, minor pain as the needle is inserted. The tracer is then injected into the IV, during which you may feel a cold sensation moving up your arm, but likely no pain.

Does a bone scan have side effects?

A bone scan generally has no side effects, and no follow-up care is needed. The radioactivity from the tracers is usually completely eliminated two days after the scan.

Does bone cancer feel like arthritis?

Any bone can be affected, although bone cancer most often develops in the long bones of the legs or upper arms. The pain can sometimes be wrongly mistaken for arthritis in adults and growing pains in children and teenagers.

What does cancer look like on a bone scan?

Tumors might look “ragged” instead of solid on an x-ray, or they might look like a hole in the bone. Sometimes doctors can see a tumor that might extend into nearby tissues (such as muscle or fat).

What are the disadvantages of a bone scan?

What are the limitations of Skeletal Scintigraphy? Bone scans cannot identify some types of cancer. Occasionally, an abnormal finding on a bone scan may require additional tests like CT, MRI, blood tests or a biopsy to help distinguish between normal and abnormal bone. Nuclear medicine procedures can be time consuming.

Does bone scan affect kidneys?

The patient should feel no effect from the injection of radiopharmaceutical, and can maintain normal activities between the early and delayed images. The individual’s radiation dose is influenced by factors such as the actual dose administered, renal function and hydration levels.

Do you have to take your clothes off for a bone scan?

No special preparations are needed. You may be able to remain fully clothed, depending on the area of your body being scanned. But you’ll need to remove any clothes that have metal fasteners, such as zips, hooks or buckles. In some cases, you may need to wear a gown.

Why would you be sent for a bone scan?

Why might I need a bone scan? Bone scans are used primarily to detect the spread of metastatic cancer. Because cancer cells multiply rapidly, they will appear as a hot spot on a bone scan. This is due to the increased bone metabolism and bone repair in the area of the cancer cells.

What are the risks of a nuclear medicine bone scan?

There are minimal risks involved in the nuclear medicine bone scan procedure. The scan involves a small dose of radiation from the radiopharmaceutical injected into your vein. See Radiation Risk of Medical Imaging for Adults and Children.

Are there any side effects from a bone scan?

A bone scan generally has no side effects, and no follow-up care is needed. The radioactivity from the tracers is usually completely eliminated two days after the scan. A doctor who specializes in reading images (radiologist) will look for evidence of abnormal bone metabolism on the scans.

Is there any radiation after a bone scan?

MayoClinic.com reports, however, that the radiation exposure from bone scans is negligible and matches the risk of exposure presented by traditional X-rays 2. Nevertheless, radiation may remain in the body up to three days after the bone scan, according to Drugs.com.

Is it safe for a pregnant woman to have a bone scan?

However, the test may be unsafe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. There is a risk of injury to the fetus and of contaminating breast milk. Make sure to tell your doctor if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. How do I prepare for a bone scan? A bone scan requires no special preparation.