Radiologic Technologist Blog
There are several bone cancer types with varying incidence. They include both primary neoplasms as well as bone metastases. Primary neoplasms (new and abnormal growth of tissue) of the bone, such as osteosarcoma and multiple myeloma, are less common compared to secondary bone metastases (spread of a primary tumor to the bone from another site in the body).
Radiologic technologists, especially those working as DXA operators, may often come across patients who do not qualify as osteoporotic, but still have low bone mass. Osteopenia is a term used to describe low bone mass which is lower than normal but not low enough to qualify as osteoporosis. People with osteopenia are at an increased risk of fractures. This can be likened to the classification used for “bad” cholesterol (LDL) where individuals are at high risk if the value is more than 160 mg/dL and moderate risk if the value is between 130 and 160 mg/dL. What is osteopenia treatment? And what advice should be given to patients who are osteopenic?
Radiologic technologists see patients from all walks of life. They are in a unique position of not only providing care for the patient’s current medical problems but also offering advice on preventive medicine. When a patient comes to the radiology department, should you suggest they speak with the doctor about a screening DXA osteoporosis test? Who is at greatest risk for fractures? What are the official recommendations of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force?
Paget disease of bone is a metabolic disorder in which there is an abnormality of bone remodeling. It was first described by Sir James Paget in 1877 with the name osteitis deformans. The condition results from a focal increase in the activity of osteoclasts and osteoblasts. In advanced stages of the disease, this can spread to involve larger parts of the bone. People afflicted with Pagets disease of bone develop enlarged deformities, particularly in weightbearing regions. Susceptibility to the disease is determined by genetic factors.
