Bone cancer diagnosis

Even with vague symptoms of bone tumors or bone metastases, the patient should urgently contact an oncologist to start treatment in time. The diagnostic algorithm includes detailing complaints and clarifying anamnesis. Particular attention is paid to bone pain, fever, weight loss, impaired appetite, lymph node changes, and other signs. After that, the patient is referred for laboratory tests, ultrasound imaging of the joint, bone X-ray, MRI, and CT with contrast. Bone scintigraphy can tell about the presence of skeletal tumors and their number. It is also effective for the early detection of bone metastases. A small amount of the radioactive isotope is injected into the veins to detect cancerous foci in the skeleton. The isotope accumulates in the bone neoplasm, causing it to "glow" on the scanner screen. The results often reveal bone damage caused by cancer or a new area of bone growth due to cancer. If the CT scan suggests that the patient may have bone cancer, he will be referred for a biopsy. A bone biopsy is the most accurate way to diagnose cancer. It can be done in two ways: with a rod needle and in an open way (with an incision on the affected bone). After diagnostic tests, a patient will have a follow-up consultation with an oncologist to determine the proper treatment regimen.