MRI results questions

[mshuey]

My brain MRI (with contrast) states:  "there is a heterogeneous appearance to the bone marrow of the calvarium...bony metastases could not be excluded."  What does this mean exactly?  Is this a common indication of bones mets (see history below).  Head CT (without contrast) was normal, basic blood work normal.

History:  35 year old female, headache for 6 weeks but no other neuro problems, breast cancer diagnonsis 7 years ago at age 28, stage IIB (1 lymph node +), HER2 3+, chemo + radiation, no metastasis since diagnosis.

[abuela959]

I hope you are doing well and getting the information you need. I was just told that I have "marrow signals that are heterogeneous" and have been combing the web for information to try to find out what it means. I wish you well.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Thanks for writing.

Heterogenous appearance of bone marrow of calvarium can indicate bony metastasis especially in patients with positive history of breast cancer.
Please discuss this with your treating doctor as it is difficult to comment without looking at the report. A bone scan can be done to make sure that these findings are due to metastasis or not.

Hope this helps!