Breast cancer staging

[mgk55]

Today I had a whole body bone scan as part of breast carcinoma staging.  Report:  There is a focus of increased tracer uptake in the distal end of the left tibia which appears to be symptomatic.  I have arranged for plain x-rays but if this is not diagnostic in its clinical setting I would proceed to MRI.  The whole body survey otherwise showns no evidence of metastatic disease.  I then had an x-ray of the left ankle.  History:  Breast carcinoma.  The patient had a bone scan which demonstrated a solitary lesion in the distal tibia, please evaluate.  Report:  There is normal alignment at the distal tibiofubula jpint.  The ankle mortice is retained.  Normal trabecular pattern is preserved within the distal tivia.  There is no evidence of periosteal reaction or fracture.  Mild heterogeneity to the marrow of the distal fivular the appearance of which is uncertain.  There is possible mild periosteal elevation at the distal fubular.  The remainder of the osseous structures are unremarkable in appearance.  Conculsion:  Unremarkable distal tibia however mild heterogeneity to the distal fibular with possible perosteal elevation.  Given the clinical indication this may be further evaluated with a dedicated MRI examination which is more sensitive.

What does this mean?  Could it be cancer?

Thank you for your help.

mgk55

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

The X Ray has as yet, not made any solid confirmation if this is a cancer or not. It appears that your doctor would schedule an MRI to find out more. As of now their is inconsequential evidence. Ii cn be understood that you are anxious, but the doctor has to go through his records before he makes a commitment. Hold on there and keep the hope.

Hope this helped. Let us know if you have any other questions.

Best regards.

[mgk55]

Hi,

Unfortunately, the Specialist did not make it to the meeting with the Radiologists on 6 March.  His receptionist - told me that he would discuss it with a Radiologist on Friday 7 March.  I dropped into his rooms on Friday afternoon as I had not heard from him.  Again, he was unable to discuss my case, as he had been called to four emergencies and was still in the operating theatre.  Last week he was away again.  Next meeting with Radiologists is Thursday 20 March.  Here's hoping, he makes it to the meeting this time, as I don't think I can take much more before I crack up.

[mgk55]

Thanks for the support.  I took my scans and left them with the Specialist.  Heard back from his receptionist - he will be holding a meeting with the Radiologists to discuss the scans on the 6 March.  So, for now, I just have to hang in there, and try not to worry.

[Twocapes]

I was told that breast to bone cancer usually shows up first in the chest wall/rib/clavicle area rather than the long bones of the arms and legs.  Of course each individual is different.  My whole body scan, because of some pain three years after my lumpectomy, came back as areas of arthritis.  Now four years out, I am still doing okay.
Good luck - keep us posted.