reading bone scan results

SLDUCOTE
SLDUCOTE Member Posts: 4 *
in Prostate Cancer #1

Can anyone explain what it means when the bone scan result says there is rounded moderately intense abnormal uptake involving the left posterior mid cervical spine distribution? My husband has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, and I am just trying to understand his bone scan results.

Thanks

Comments

  • centralPA
    centralPA Member Posts: 379 Member
    #2

    When you say bone scan, was it a PSMA PET scan? Or the typical Bone Scan?

    I had both, and the PSMA PET is the one that can best identify cancer. My bone scan found lots of arthritis that got everyone excited.

  • SLDUCOTE
    SLDUCOTE Member Posts: 4 *
    #3
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1721156#Comment_1721156

    It was the typical bone scan. He's already had the PSMA PET scan and that scan did show several areas that were suspicious. There are several comments in this bone scan stating findings may be related to arthritis. However, there are a few that indicate metastatic activity. Another statement reads there is also abnormal focal uptake of the left proximal lateral scapular body, which is concerning to metastatic activity. I just need to get the lingo down, so I know what I'm reading.

  • centralPA
    centralPA Member Posts: 379 Member
    #4
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1721158#Comment_1721158

    Just going on my own experience reading my own reports, I'd say the sites that both show uptake and are not located near a joint that often show arthritis, would be the ones I'd be most concerned about.

    There was a ton of uptake from my Bone Scan in the my shoulder, to the point that they did an MRI just for that. It identified obvious arthritis. Has your husband also had an MRI covering the same area as the scan? If so, did a radiologist specifically note the MRI in his report? If not, you can be the squeaky wheel and ask the doctor collective to do so.

  • Old Salt
    Old Salt Member Posts: 1,585 Member
    edited February 20 #5

    I think that is good advice from centralPA. Differentiating between arthritis and metastatic activity requires comparison of several types of scan. The interpretation may not be easy, even for a specialist.

    Keep asking questions from the specialist(s).

  • SLDUCOTE
    SLDUCOTE Member Posts: 4 *
    #6
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1721160#Comment_1721160

    He has not had an MRI as of yet, I think that is coming. He was just diagnosed in December. He's had a biopsy, PET, and bone density and bone scans. Thanks for your replies, I appreciate it. I'm naturally curious and to top it off I'm a library director so fact finding is in my makeup. lol I just want to know what is what and to be on top of everything. As a former teacher I always said there are NO bad questions, except for the ones you don't ask.

  • SLDUCOTE
    SLDUCOTE Member Posts: 4 *
    #7
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1721163#Comment_1721163

    Oh, you can bet I'll be asking the questions. I go to the appointments with my files in hand. I went through brain cancer with my previous husband (he passed from Glioblastoma) and now this. I asked questions then and I'll do it now. Thanks for your reply, I appreciate it.

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