What Does My X-ray Test Report Indicate?

Posted on Tue, 29 Sep 2015

Question: I was told I had two tiny shadows that showed up whiter on a bone x Ray (pelvis and top of femur). I had breast cancer in 2007 but had 8 years cancer free. I am terrified this is a secondary cancer. Could tiny changes be anything else? My blood test results were all excellent and no indicators for cancer. I also have no pain in the leg where the white spots were seen. Any advice gratefully received.

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Tiny shadows on bone X-rays may be due to both reasons,benign or metastasis

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Tiny shadows on bone X-rays may be due to both reasons,benign or metastasis.It is important to know its appearance like whether it is lytic or sclerotic lesion.
As you have history of breast carcinoma,it is important to rule out metastasis.
You may need proper work up for breast carcinoma.
You may need clinical examination,sono-mammography,chest X-ray(PA view),ultrasound of abdomen.
PET scan can be done if needed.

Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Indu Kumar (4 hours later)

They said in the report sclerotic focus found in pelvis and femur. My gp has said could be nothjbf but with my past history of BC it needs a bone scan and a cat scan. My blood tests are all excellent. Normal liver and kidney function. Low crp. And no pain in bones or back at all I wonder if there is any hope at all that this could still be a benign condition. I need to live with some hope until i get results. .

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (16 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Generally breast carcinoma causes mixed appearance.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Sorry for replying late

You are rightly advised for further investigations due to history of breast carcinoma.
Generally breast carcinoma causes mixed appearance(i.e mix of lytic and sclerosis).This may be in your favour as lesion is purely sclerotic in your case.

It is too early to conclude anything.Your condition need further evaluation.
It may be due to benign reason also.

Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar