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Significance of nuclear medicine: 99mTc-MDP in the detection of breast cancer bone metastasis

Finding bone metastases is frequently important for clinical decisions affecting quality of life. Detection of such bone metastatic lesions allows radiation therapy or surgical interventions to prevent pathologic fractures from disabling the patients. We investigated 53 breast cancer patients referred by surgeons, radiotherapists and chemotherapists. Adsorption of 99mTc-MDP occurs in the mineral phase of the bone. High-sensitivity bone scanning in determining the presence and extent of metastatic disease is an extremely important tool in decision-making. Bone scans demonstrate metastatic lesions much earlier than X-ray, CT or MRI. 99mTc-MDP 22–25 mCi was injected i.v. In total, 53 patients were investigated. On visual analysis there were positive scan findings (bone mets) in 17 patients (33.4%) and negative scan findings (normal bone scan) in 34 patients (66.6%). Significance of bone mets in the management of disease occurs when clinically stage I and scintigraphically stage IV; here a change of treatment is needed. Sensitivity for detecting bone mets is quoted as 95% or above. Bone scintigraphy is a noninvasive technique used for detection of breast cancer bone metastasis. Quality of life will be good if diagnosed early and accurately and if managed properly.

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Karan, P., Tiwari, A. & Pisal, R. Significance of nuclear medicine: 99mTc-MDP in the detection of breast cancer bone metastasis. Breast Cancer Res 9 (Suppl 1), SP24 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1186/bcr1730

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/bcr1730

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