What Are Bone Scans for Cancer?

Bone scans are a type of imaging test that doctors use to look for problems in the bones. They are often used to check for cancer that has spread from other parts of the body to the bones.

Bone scans work by injecting a small amount of radioactive material into the bloodstream. This material travels through the body and collects in the bones. Areas of bone that are damaged or diseased will absorb more of the radioactive material, which can then be detected by a special camera.

Bone scans can be used to detect a variety of bone problems, including:

- Cancer that has spread to the bones

- Bone fractures

- Bone infections

- Arthritis

- Osteoporosis

- Paget's disease of bone

Bone scans are a safe and painless procedure. The radioactive material used in the scan emits a very low level of radiation, and the scan itself takes only about 30 minutes.

Bone scans are often used as a screening test for people at high risk of developing bone cancer or other bone problems. They can also be used to monitor the progress of treatment for bone cancer or other bone disorders.

If you are concerned about the health of your bones, talk to your doctor about whether a bone scan is right for you.