Bone Scan
A bone scan is a medical test that helps find issues in your bones. It uses a safe, tiny amount of a radioactive substance called a radiopharmaceutical, which is sometimes called a “dye” but does not stain your tissues. The purpose of a bone scan is to detect problems with how your bones work. It shows if there are any abnormal activities in your bones, like when they break down or rebuild. This process, known as bone metabolism, is crucial for bone health and healing from injuries.
A bone scan is also used to check if cancer has spread to your bones from other parts of your body, like the prostate or breast.
During the scan, the radioactive substance is injected into a vein, and then you will be observed for a few hours. The amount of radiation used is very small, and most of it leaves your body within a couple of days.
At Apollo Cancer Centre, Hyderabad, the bone scan service extends a broader array of treatment options to patients and significantly enhances outcomes. Our committed physicians prioritise delivering tailored medical attention, leveraging cutting-edge technology to accelerate recuperation and promote overall well-being.
Pre-Operative Care for Bone Scan
- Preparing for a bone scan is simple and does not require any special steps.
- Your doctor will advise you to remove any metal jewellery or body piercings before the procedure begins.
- The scan itself typically lasts around an hour, during which you will need to maintain immobility. If you anticipate difficulty staying still for the duration of the scan, your doctor might offer a mild sedative to help you relax. This ensures the most accurate results from the scan.
What Happens in a Bone Scan?
- The procedure begins with the injection of a radioactive substance into your vein, followed by a waiting period of two to four hours for it to circulate throughout your body. Depending on the purpose of the bone scan, imaging may commence immediately afterwards.
- As the substance disperses, bone cells in areas requiring repair attract the radioactive tracers, accumulating in damaged bone regions with high blood flow. Following sufficient time, a specialised camera is employed by your doctor to scan the bones, revealing dark spots where the substance has gathered.
- If the initial round of injection and imaging proves inconclusive, your doctor may opt to repeat the process or order a single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). This variation of the bone scan generates three-dimensional images of your bones, particularly useful for deeper insights or areas of unclear visibility in the initial scans.
Post-Operative Care For Bone Scan
- A bone scan usually does not result in any side effects or complications. The majority of the radioactive tracer is excreted from your body within 24 hours, although small amounts may persist for up to three days.
- Although the test can detect issues related to bone metabolism, it may not provide specific reasons for these problems. Instead, it indicates the presence and location of abnormalities without pinpointing their underlying cause.
- If abnormalities are detected during the bone scan, further tests may be necessary. Your doctor will discuss your options and assist you in navigating through the procedure steps.
Potential Risks Associated With Bone Scan
- The quantity of radionuclide injected into your vein during the procedure is minimal, eliminating the need for precautions against radioactive exposure. While the tracer injection may cause mild discomfort, allergic reactions to it are uncommon but possible.
- Patients with known allergies or sensitivities to medications, contrast dyes, or latex should inform their doctor beforehand.
- If you are pregnant or suspect you might be, it is crucial to inform your doctor about the potential risk to the foetus from a bone scan. Similarly, if you are lactating or breastfeeding, informing your doctor is important to prevent the contamination of breast milk with the tracer.
- Depending on your medical condition, there may be additional risks associated with the procedure. Discuss any concerns with your doctor before undergoing the scan.
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