Table of contents:
- When is a bone scan necessary?
- Risk of bone scan
- Preparations that need to be done before undergoingbone scan
- What is the bone scan procedure like?
- What to do after the procedurebone scan
Bone scan or bone scan is an imaging method used for a variety of diagnostic purposes. This imaging procedure uses a small amount of radioactive material to help reveal abnormalities in the bone.
Specifically, a bone scan is usually done to see if there is a problem with bone metabolism. What is meant by bone metabolism is the process of breaking down bone and its rebuilding. When bones are damaged or broken, new bone will form as a healing process. Bone scan is a good technique to see if this activity is going well or not.
Other than that, bone scan also commonly used to see if a cancer has spread to the bone from another part of the body, such as the prostate or breast.
When is a bone scan necessary?
Your doctor will usually recommend this procedure if you think you have a bone problem. This procedure can also help identify unexplained bone pain. Bone scan can show bone problems due to medical conditions such as:
- arthritis
- avascular necrosis (death of bone tissue due to insufficient blood supply)
- bone cancer
- cancer that spreads to the bones from other parts of the body
- fibrous dysplasia (a condition that causes abnormal scar tissue to grow in healthy parts of bone)
- fracture
- an infection that affects the bone
- Paget's disease (a disease that causes bones to become weak and change shape)
Risk of bone scan
Risk bone scan known to be no bigger than a regular x-ray. The radioactive material used in this procedure results in minimal radiation exposure. In fact, the risk of experiencing an allergy to radioactive materials is very low.
However, this procedure may not be recommended for pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding because of the risk of harm to the fetus and possible contamination of breast milk. Make sure you tell your doctor if you are pregnant or are breastfeeding.
Preparations that need to be done before undergoingbone scan
The bone scan procedure does not require special preparation. Prior to the procedure, you will be asked to remove all of your metal jewelry and accessories. The procedure will take approximately one hour. You may be given a mild sedative by your doctor to help you feel more comfortable during long periods of silence.
What is the bone scan procedure like?
Before the procedure, you will be injected with a radioactive substance through your arm. This substance will circulate in your body through the bloodstream for the next two to four hours. Once, the radioactive substance spreads throughout your body, the cells from the damaged bone will attract the radioactive substance so that it collects in these places.
After waiting a while, the doctor will use a special camera to scan your bones. The part of the bone that is damaged — where the radioactive material collects, will appear as dark dots in the image. If the results are not good, the doctor may repeat the injection and scan your bones one more time.
What to do after the procedurebone scan
Bone scan usually does not cause side effects or complications. Most of the radioactive substances in your body will be eliminated by itself within 24 hours, while a small portion can last up to three days.
The result bone scan considered normal if the staining of the radioactive substance is uniform throughout the body. However, if your result shows darker parts (hot spot) and the lighter part (cold spot), then your results can be said to be abnormal. You should see your doctor for further consultation if you get any abnormal results. Your doctor will explain your condition, and may ask you to perform other screening procedures if necessary
