Bone scan for density vs. mets (need info)

[Grace]

I am scheduled for a bone scan this week to check for bone density. Is this the same scan that is done to look for mets? If so, is it necessary for me to ask those running the scan to look at the results for both, rather than at density alone. If it is not the same test, does anyone out there know what the difference is between the two?

Any information would be helpful. My scan is on Friday. Thanks as always for help.

[tousled1]

If you are having a bone scan, it is a test that is checking for mets to the bones and is completely different than a bone density test. With a bone scan you are injected with a radioactive dye and then scanned.

A bone density test checks for osteoporosis and not mets. A bone density test can be done at your primary care physician's office if he has the equipment (mine does) and takes about 3 minutes. With a bone density test you just sort of lay on a table and certain areas of your body are measured by a machine - no dye is injected and you are not actually scanned.

[Becky]

You do not get a bone scan for density (ie: osteoporesis) you get a bone DEXA scan which is a very different xray.

[hutchibk]

Ditto, Becky. I have bone density tests for density and bone scans to look for mets. Different tests.

[Carolyns]

Hi Grace,

I had annual bone density testing done and mets did not show up. Over the years I assumed that the density test would show mets. I found out it does not.

The bone mets I have were found via bone scan / CT / PET. I asked why they had not been found in the bone density testing and was told that bone density testing only measures density. Still not sure why and I haven't googled it.

I am sure that someone will chime in soon with the scientific answer.

Carolyn

[hutchibk]

I will make a fool of myself for sure, but here goes. I believe that bone density tests are an X-ray designed only to measure calcium and mineral content. Bone scans are nuclear medicine tests with contrast that can detect fractures, cancer, infections and other abnormalities in the bone.

[Grace]

I woke up last night about 3:00 a.m., obviously this has been on my mind, and thought I'll ask the HER2+ group--they'll know. And, of course, you did!
Thanks all.