Results of an MRI

[Dulin]

Sir:  My husband has breast cancer.  It metastasized to his distal femur.  It was radiated.  He had an MRI last week.  We are not able to see our doctor for 2 weeks.  I was hoping you could explain what the following means:  "There is an area of abnormal marrow signal intensity within the medial aspect of the metastasis and distal shaft of the right femur". No cortical disruption is seen.  Does this mean the cancer may be active again.  Thank you for your advice.  Sincerely     Idi

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear Idi, This does not necessarily mean that the cancer is active, the abnormal intensity of the marrow signal means that there was something that disrupted the normal marrow - such as the treated cancer.  It does not mean that the cancer is active.  The results of this scan will be compared to and put in context with clinical exam to evaluate the treated disease.

No cortical disruption means that the cortical area of the bone (protective outer shell around the bone) has not been disrupted by tumor.

[Dulin]

Thank you very much.  This makes me feel better for now.  Waiting for answers is such a hard thing.  This forum is so helpful and very much appreciated.   Idi