Bone Scan Medical Test

A bone scan is a test that detects areas of increased or decreased bone metabolism..It can be done to evaluate damage to the bones, detect cancer that has spread to the bones, and monitor conditions that can affect the bones. The test is performed to identify abnormal processes involving the bone such as tumor, infection, or fracture. A bone scan commonly is used to check for signs that cancer has spread to the bones from another site in the body, such as the breast or prostate. Bone scans also can check for cancers that start in the bones. A bone scan is painless, except for a mild skin prick to inject the isotope. It takes about three hours for the isotope to travel to the bones. A bone scan can show problems such as bone tumors, infection, and fractures of the spine. It can also be used to determine bone density and the bone-thinning condition of osteoporosis. A bone scan is generally safe for the patient. Radiation doses are very small, and radionuclides have a low risk of triggering toxic or allergic reactions.

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