Will a bone density scan show cancer?

Currently, there are several types of tests for diagnosing breast cancer, such as MRI, ultrasound, and mammograms which are all proven to effectively detect cancerous growths. However, none of these tests rule out cancer. For that, you will need a bone density scan. Although a negative result doesn’t necessarily mean that you don’t have cancer, it does eliminate the possibility of cancer and can help confirm a benign or malignant growth.

Will a bone density scan show breast cancer?

Bone density scans can detect osteopenia (reduced bone density) and osteoporosis and thus provide an early warning of those who may be at risk for developing these conditions. However, a scan cannot detect cancer. If you have concerns about specific areas of your skeletal system, a physician can perform a more invasive exam. For example, a physician can measure the thickness of the bones in your hips, spine, or forearm, which is not possible with a scan.

Will bone density scan show breast cancer stage

Doctors use the results of a bone density scan to examine the bones in your hips, spine, and chest, looking for areas of the bone that have become thin. If a woman has a family history of breast cancer, her doctor may recommend a scan as a way to detect the disease early. The results of a bone density scan can be a helpful guide when developing a treatment plan, especially if a breast MRI finds cancer in certain areas of the bones.

Will bone density scan show breast cancer?

Dense breast tissue makes it harder for your oncologist to see the cancer and can lead to biopsies that return benign results. Even though dense tissue can sometimes be an indication of cancer, it’s not 100% predictive. A bone density scan can show whether or not the density is due to cancer, but it can’t tell you if cancer is present.

Will bone density scan show breast cancer stage?

Bone density scans show how much bone mass you have, but they aren’t very good at showing areas of the body, such as the spine and hips, which contain bone. They are, however, a very good test for breast cancer. While it’s not always possible, a physician may be able to look at a scan and determine the size of a tumor, as well as whether the cancer has spread to the bones.