If a bone scan 'lights up' on certain spots can that be evidence of metastic breast cancer?

Question

My wife had stage 4 breast cancer and is now in remission. She had a bone scan (needed for a new clinical trail) and the scan 'lit up' in places that previously there was cancer. I don't want any surprises when we see the oncologist next week. So, can it 'light up' because of bone damage, reoccurence of cancer or both?

Answer 1

Do not listen to ill advice. Only a doctor can tell you that. We, on this site, can NOT SEE the scan, so therefor, we CAN NOT DIAGNOSE anyone. As you well know, there is always a chance of cancer returning. My dad had it. So far, so good. You should wait and see what your oncologist has to say. It could be other things instead of cancer. I wish you and your wife the best and do not assume the worst even though that is sometimes hard to do. I am the same way.

Answer 2

1. Stage 4 cancer means there there is/are spreading of tumor somewhere else in the body.

2. Bone is one of a common site for metastasis from breast cancer.

So she is really need a bone scan periodically to monitor any met lesion in bone.

Brighten up of bone scan can be many things including bone damage as you said, but if she has more than one spot that bright and with her breast cancer history, the possibility to be a metastasis is high.

Answer 3

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but it sounds like it is back. My best friend has it and we always check out her x rays and hold them over one another to see where it's gone. She has young kids w/ a dad who is worthless so she need and wents to know everything as in NOW. I'll remember to pray for your wife as I pray for my friend. I'm terribly sorry you have to go through this. God Bless

Answer 4

It could be due to bone damage.
It could be arthritis.
It could be alot of things.

It could also be cancer...

I mean be prepared because you never know what it could be.