A bone scan is a diagnostic testing method that involves nuclear imaging. It is used worldwide to assess and evaluate bone conditions. If there are any diseases or abnormalities in the bone, the bone scan can detect them.
Nuclear imaging and small fragments of radioactive substances are used for the scan. These are known as radiotracers. Additionally, a special camera is used. The radioactivity is assessed to evaluate the bone structures inside the body through this.
Overall, a bone scan is an important tool. It has helped detect changes in the cells and tissues and benefited the early detection of cancer. However, if you want a bone scan, it’s best to choose a reputable center like Perth Amboy diagnostic scan. The DEXA scan Perth Amboy is easily accepted by health practitioners all over the USA. If you are still confused, here are 5 reasons you should get this..
What is a Bone Scan?
Many times, patients visit their doctors complaining of unexplained bone pain. In that case, doctors recommend a bone scan to find its cause. During the process, the whole skeleton is scanned. Hence, it assists in diagnosing different bone disorders. Some of these include:
• Infection in joints.
• Arthritis.
• Bone cancer.
• Fractures.
• Paget’s bone disease.
A bone scan relies on radioactive tracers. These are used for producing images. Despite this, it involves less risk as compared to CT scans. The radiation exposure is less in this case. Moreover, you don’t need extra preparation like a restricted diet or activities before the scan. It’s a simple scan!
It is a more thorough assessment technique. It is better than an x-ray. Also, it’s safer and involves lower radiation. However, these aren’t recommended to pregnant women. For this, you also don’t need any special preparations. Just avoid the metal fasteners, jewelry, hooks, and metal zips. The doctor might ask you to wear a gown for the procedure.
Don’t Miss the 5 Reasons to get a Bone Scan:
Primarily, bone scans are recommended by doctors to detect any bone abnormality. Also, it’s used to assess the spread of metastatic cancer. We know that cancer leads to multiplying the cells rapidly. Thus, it’s necessary to keep track of the growth by having a scan.
Similarly, a DEXA scan is another scanning technique that measures the overall density of bones. Through this, the strength is measured. Also, it provides valuable information about the risks of fractures or osteoporosis. Doctors use this technique to measure and assess body composition too.
A DEXA scan is recommended for people over the age of 50. Also, if individuals smoke or have had any accidents or fractures in the past, they must have this test. The results are beneficial in carrying out a risk assessment. The right measures can be taken to plan and initiate the treatments through this.
Read on to find 5 reasons to get a bone scan:
Find Out Changes in the Bone
A bone scan can help in determining the changes in the bone. Before the process, a radioactive tracer is injected into the bloodstream. Then, it takes 2 to 3 hours to spread in the body. After this, the scanner takes the pictures, and it takes around 30 minutes for this painless technique.
Detect Abnormalities in Bones
The doctors recommend a bone scan to assess and detect abnormalities in the bones. So, the test is also known as:
• Bone scintigraphy.
• Nuclear medicine bone scan.
• A radionuclide scan.
Overall, the bone scan assesses the whole body. Thus, it can help view any specific area, bone, or joint in the body using a camera.
3.
For Unexplained Bone Pain
If a patient is experiencing any unexplained bone pain, it can signify any bone disease. Thus, it requires attention. The bone scan is one of the best techniques that can help in evaluating bone trauma and pinpointing fractures. The practitioners also use it to determine the age of a fracture.
For instance, if you have ongoing low back pain or pain in the legs, the bone scan can help locate and explain the cause.
Detect Bone Cancer
One of the primary uses of bone scans in determining cancer in the patient. It can be bone cancer or any other cancer that has spread to the bones. Using the bone scan, doctors don’t only y detect the existence of cancer but also evaluate the level of spread. Through this, the treatments are planned.
It is known that cancer rapidly multiples and requires immediate attention. Using a bone scan, the doctors can also find out the cancer stage. Also, it’s widely used for assessing the effectiveness of the treatment.
To Detect Different Bone Conditions
The doctor can recommend a bone scan for many reasons. It can detect arthritis and other bone disorder. Also, if a patient has had an accident, it becomes necessary. It helps in determining any fractures that can lead to complications.
Final Thoughts
The bottom line is that a bone scan is one of the most relevant and beneficial diagnostic techniques in the history of medicine. It is used worldwide to detect and assess different bone diseases and disorders.
The doctors might recommend a scan for many reasons other than the ones mentioned above. It depends on what the patient is going through. It depends on the signs and symptoms.
The Perth Amboy Diagnostic Imaging Center has offered DEXA scan Perth Amboy services for years. It’s a more detailed and thorough bone test with quality results. You can opt for this if your doctor has asked for a scan.
