Does cancer affect the bones? Let's find out exactly what this Bone Scan is!

When you find out that you or someone you know has cancer, your doctor will advise you to do various tests, right? Sometimes these cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body, especially to the bones. In such cases, a special test called a 'bone scan' is done to see exactly whether the cancer has affected the bones, or how the treatment has affected the bones. You may feel a little scared when you hear this name. But in this article, we will simply talk about what actually happens in this, how to prepare for it, and whether there is anything to be afraid of.

How should you prepare for a bone scan?

The best news is that there is no major preparation required for this test. You don't need to make any changes to your daily eating habits or activities.

However, if you are taking any medications, it is important to tell your doctor. This is especially important if you are taking any medications that contain bismuth (such as Pepto-Bismol), which are used to treat stomach problems. Also, if you have recently had an X-ray with a substance called barium, tell your doctor. These can slightly affect the results of the bone scan.

Before the test, the staff will ask you to remove all gold jewelry, such as necklaces, bracelets, rings, and other metal jewelry. You may also be asked to wear a special hospital gown.

What to expect on the day of the test?

Although the bone scan itself only takes 30 to 60 minutes, it can take several hours to get home after all the work at the hospital is done. So you have to be prepared for that and have a little patience.

This is what happens in this test:

1. Injecting the 'tracer': First, a very small amount of a radioactive substance called a 'tracer' is injected into your body. Don't be alarmed by the word 'radioactive', this is not harmful to your body. A technician injects this tracer into a vein in your arm or hand.

2. Movement of the tracer throughout the body: After the injection, the tracer travels throughout your body through your bloodstream and accumulates in your bones within a few hours. Simply put, the tracer accumulates more in areas of bone repair, damage, or change than in other areas.

3. Scanning: You will then be placed under a machine that looks like a large camera. This is called a 'gamma camera'. While you lie comfortably on a table, this camera moves very close to your body and slowly takes images. This can take up to 60 minutes.

In some cases, your doctor may decide to do a 'three-phase scan'. This involves taking pictures of your bones not just once, but three times. The first is taken as the tracer is injected, the second is taken after the injection, and the third is taken 3-5 hours later.

Results and what happens after that?

After the test is over, you will be advised to drink plenty of water because the tracer needs to be washed out of your body quickly.

Because this tracer is radioactive, your doctor may tell you to use a separate toilet for a day or two when you go home, just like in the hospital. This is especially important if you have young children at home.

The test results show specific areas of bone changes.

Therefore, your doctor may recommend that you undergo further tests (e.g., a CT scan, MRI scan, or biopsy) to confirm whether the spots are caused by cancer.

Bone scans usually don't cause any major side effects. The radioactivity completely disappears from the body in about two days.

What are the risks of a bone scan?

This test is usually safe. However, like any medical test, there are some small risks. Your doctor will always carefully weigh the risks and benefits of the test before referring you for this test.

• Pregnancy: If you are pregnant, or have even the slightest suspicion that you are pregnant, it is imperative that you tell your doctor before the test. This test is often not performed on pregnant women because the radioactive tracer can be harmful to the fetus.
• Breastfeeding: If you are a breastfeeding mother, your doctor may advise you to stop breastfeeding for a few days after the tracer is inserted. Don't worry, your doctor will give you the necessary instructions for this.
• Injection site: There may be some bruising where the injection was given. This is normal. Very rarely, if the tracer leaks out of the vein, the area may swell and become painful. However, this will heal quickly in a few days.
• Radioactivity: The amount of radiation your body receives from this test is very small. However, there is a belief that this may slightly increase the risk of developing cancer in the future. If you have any concerns or doubts about this, talk to your doctor about it openly.

Bone Scan, cancer, bones, nuclear imaging, radiological tests