cat scan vs bone scan ?

Which test would be better to detect a bone metastasis, bone scan or cat scan?  I have heard that most bone metastasis from breast cancer are osteolytic and might not show up well on a bone scan.  Is this true?  I have been having pain in my pelvis and my family doctor ordered an MRI of my lower spine which was normal, but told me that an MRI of my pelvis was overkill. The pain has has not gone away and I cannot get in to see my oncologist for another month. I feel like I have "cried wolf" so many times with aches and pains that the doctors brush me off now.  I am 6 years out with a stage 3 breast cancer. 9 months ago I had a completely normal PET/CT for evaluation of a different ache.  Thank you.

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear Molly98:  In general, bone scans are a more precise test to measure bone damage when compared to CT scan but no test is perfect.  It is true that bone scan may be less precise in lytic lesions and in these cases MRI or PET may be done. Depending upon which part of the spine was included in the MRI, some of the pelvic bones may be in the image.  You may benefit from another discussion with your doctor regarding the type of pain you are having as not all pain represents bone pain.  You could also call your oncologist’s office and discuss the situation to see if he/she would be able to see you sooner since you are worried.

[japdip]

If your MRI was of your lower spine it seems it would have included your pelvic area also. I was always ordered Bone Scan first and then MRI. Are you sure the pain is in the bones of the pelvis or in the pelvic area itself ? I would just wait to see the Oncologist before having any further testing at this point. Have you thought of seeing your OB/GYN regarding the pelvic pain ??