bone

#Tests and scans

Bone scan

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

A bone scan looks for changes in your bones. Before the test you have a radioactive tracer injection into your bloodstream. You have this through a tube (cannula) into a vein in your hand. It takes 2 to 3 hours for the tracer to go around the body. To have the scan you lie down on a couch while the scanner takes pictures. The scan takes 30 minutes to an hour. It is painless and you can go home after the scan. The body gets rid of the tracer through your urine over the next day. A bone scan shows

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#Tests and scans

Bone marrow test

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

What is a bone marrow test? A bone marrow test is a way of testing cells from your bone marrow. Bone marrow is the spongy tissue inside your bones that makes blood cells. Why do I need it? To find out whether there are any cancer cells in the bone marrow. You might also have one to check whether treatment is working. How do you have it and how long does it take? You have a local anaesthetic injection to numb a small area on your hip. The doctor puts a needle into your hip to suck out some bone

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#Tests and scans

Bone density scan (DEXA, DXA)

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

DEXA scan stands for dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. It’s also called a bone densitometry scan. It uses low dose x-rays to take measurements to work out the strength (density) of your bones. You have a DEXA scan in the x-ray (radiology) or nuclear medicine department of the hospital. A radiographer does the scan. It takes about 10 – 20 minutes. You’re not enclosed in a small place as the machine has an arm that hangs over the scanning couch. Why might you have a DEXA scan? You might have this scan if you’re having or have had cancer treatment that

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#Women - coping with sex hormone symptoms

Bone loss and osteoporosis in women

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Hormone therapy treatments can lower the levels of sex hormones in the body. The main female sex hormones are oestrogen and progesterone. Lower levels of these hormones can increase bone loss. Bone loss (osteoporosis) and ageing Our bones start to thin around our late thirties. This is part of the natural ageing process. The bones go through a stage called osteopenia. This is when they start to become thinner. Osteoporosis is when the bones become more brittle and thinner. Having thinner bones makes them more at risk of breaking (fracture). After the menopause the levels of the sex hormone oestrogen

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#Sex hormone symptoms and cancer

Bone problems and osteoporosis in prostate cancer

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Hormone therapy for prostate cancer can lower the levels of sex hormones (testosterone) in the blood. This can cause different side effects including problems with your bones. How does hormone therapy for prostate cancer affect the bones? Hormone therapy lowers the levels of testosterone. This can cause thinning and weakening of the bones. How can I reduce the risk of bone problems? Make sure your diet has enough calcium and vitamin D. This helps to keep your bones healthy.  Can I take medicines to help with bone loss? Your doctor may suggest you take medicines called bisphosphonates to help with bone

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