[Should systematic bone scintigraphy be carried out on breast cancer patients with small tumors?]

J Gynecol Obstet Biol Reprod (Paris). 1990;19(6):701-8.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Bone metastases are frequent in the evolution of breast cancer. Bone scan is the best method for early detection. At initial presentation the frequency of bone metastases is low, and it is usefulness to recommend this exam except for old people or patients with risks factors. During the follow-up, the utility of repeated bone scan is discussed. For the majority of authors, it may be reserved for symptomatic patients or when biological modifications appeared. The follow-up of these patients must be essentially clinical. This strategy delay the diagnosis of bone metastases of only a few weeks; and it don't seem to affect the prognosis of these patients.

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Bone Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Bone Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Bone Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Breast Neoplasms / complications*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Evaluation Studies as Topic
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prognosis
  • Radionuclide Imaging / economics
  • Radionuclide Imaging / standards*
  • Radionuclide Imaging / statistics & numerical data