Does a DEXA scan show bone cancer?

Bone cancer that is detected early has a high cure rate. But for advanced disease, the cure rate is much lower. If you were to undergo a DXA scan and the results revealed an area of low density, a follow-up MRI could be performed. An MRI uses magnetic resonance imaging to get images of internal structures, and is a highly sensitive test that can detect cancerous growths.

Does bone cancer show up on DEXA scan?

Bone cancer does not show up on a scan as it’s made of boney tissue. However, the X-ray can show if the cancer has spread to muscles and other organs. If you have a suspicious area on the scan, you will need to undergo further tests to determine its size, location and if it is cancerous.

How to diagnose bone cancer using DEXA scan?

While a scan cannot confirm or refute whether you have cancer, if you have an abnormally high number of densitometric findings in certain areas of your body, it may indicate a higher risk of developing cancer. This scan can also help doctors determine how aggressive a particular type of cancer is and can help doctors monitor your condition after you’ve gone through treatment.

How to diagnose bone cancer with DEXA scan?

A doctor may use a type of scan called a whole-body DXA scan to look for areas of the body that contain excess bone, which is a common sign of cancer. Bones that are not fully developed are thinner and more susceptible to cancer, so an experienced doctor might recommend a scan to look for any growths in the spine, hips, or other skeletal areas. The results of a whole-body scan can help your doctor determine whether you have cancer and, if so, where it is

Does my DEXA scan show cancer?

If your doctor has performed a conventional DXA scan, they will have looked at the images to see if there are any areas where the bone appears to show up differently than normal. For example, a scan can show that a bone appears to be thinner than normal or has an unusual shape. If this is the case, it could be a sign of an underlying condition, such as cancer. However, a scan cannot diagnose cancer, and an area that looks different than normal does not automatically mean you have