HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

What Does X-ray Showing Black Spot On Fifth Rib Indicate?

Posted on Wed, 15 Apr 2015

Question: My mother 71, just had a bone density test. Her orthopedic dr. Would not give her the results of the test but said there was a "shadow" on her 5th rib. He had X-Rays taken and it showed up a black spot on the 5th rib, and wants her to get a Cancer screening done. Should I be worried? The reason I'm asking is that it was done 2 weeks ago and she is worried sick because the Hospital here does not have the equipment. Her primary care dr sent her to the orthopedic dr and he sent her back to her primary care dr who then again referred her back to the orthopedic dr. So NOTHING is being done, and so far NO ANSWERS... Please help!!

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ahmad (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I would need some info..

Detailed Answer:
hi,

Welcome to Health Care Magic,

I am Dr.Muhammad Ahmad, I have read your question and will try to help you in best possible way.

I would like you to give me some more info in this regard.

Here i will ask you some questions to guide our conversation,

1) Is there ANY other medical condition your mother is suffering from?

2) Any pain in chest?

3) Any visible or palpable problems in breasts or chest wall?

4) Any pain or redness in chest?

5) Any loss of weight?

6) Fever , chills or lethargy?

7) Why did she get bone scan for?

8) Any family history of cancer?

I am waiting for your input.

Regards

Dr.Muhammad Ahmad.

Resident M.D.

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

Follow up: Dr. Muhammad Ahmad (20 hours later)

Hi Dr. XXXXXXX

Here's the answers to your questions in order by number:

1) no, real medical conditions she is suffering from. Has had a heart stent put in. But not causing any problems.

2) no

3) no

4) no

5) yes on significant weight loss in the last 3 months, ie...26lbs

6) yes, there is family history of Cancer...she has had cancerous polyps removed and skin cancer cells removed...nothing life threatening.

7) reason for the bone density test was because she has spinal stenosis and trouble with right shoulder.

8) bone test showed a "shadow" on 5th rleft rib. X-Ray was taken and showed a black area on that rib.

So so far she is getting no more info: she supposed to get a PET test because she can't get a PECT Test that the orthopedic Dr wanted her to have but the hospital does not have the equipment for that test.

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ahmad (19 hours later)

Brief Answer:
This should be looked into.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for writing back,

Though i don't have access to your mother's X-ray and other tests, but According to your follow up answers, history and description, Specially if she is not on weight loss regimen and still is losing weight , I think she should get an oncology consult...

I won't say that having some shadow on a rib is a bad sign but having weight loss and history of cancer in your mother herself and in family, makes it a bit of concern. May be it's nothing but atleast it should be checked properly.

Big concerns should be ruled out.

I think you should sit with your doctor and ask him to refer you to a bigger hospital, if they don't have facilities they should refer you to a bigger centre,

There should be a solution to this thing.

End Note:

You should follow this things according to her history this thing should be looked into.. it might not be anything dangerous( hopefully so) but it needs work up.

It can't be left alone, if they don't have facilities there is always an option to refer you to a bigger centre.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help if not then don't forget to close the discussion and rate it.
Wishing you good health !!

Regards.

Dr.Muhammad Ahmad.

Resident M.D.

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

Follow up: Dr. Muhammad Ahmad (1 hour later)

Thank you for your reply, she is down to 107lbs from 135lbs, also I forgot to mention that she has significant atrophy in her armpit almost looks like a hole on the side that her shoulder is hurting. Other side is normal, Her Dr. Hasent said anything about that....anyway she is having something similar to a cat scan done in the 30th but it's not supposed to reveal cancer, just possible rumors...Thank you

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ahmad (46 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Disuse atrophy and cancer related cachexia

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for writing back,

Atrophy on the shoulder can be what we call, DISUSE ATROPHY which occurs when a limb is not used, body develops according to need when you lift weight your muscles grow when you stop lifting they get weaker, same way due to stenosis in spine and pain i think she isn't using her shoulder much,

this can be a cause of atrophy,

the other atrophy can be cancer related but it usually is preceded by some tender area or swelling or colour change or something like that, so i think that atrophy will be dealt better with treatment of spinal stenosis with some physiotherapy.

Her weight is quite low and has reduced quite significantly, that can be a manifestation of cancer, what we call as cancer cachexia, or it can be due to her low intake of food , as she must be feeling quite sick.

Well for now you can wait for 30th as it not really far away but till then weigh your options and talk to the dr of you can and discuss about referral to some big medical setup for proper work-up and treatment.

I wish very best of Health and luck to you and your mother.

Best Regards.

Dr.Muhammad Ahmad.

Note: Get a consultation booked to know more about aging related medical issues. Click here.

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