You may need one or more of the following tests for your doctor to confirm a diagnosis of secondary bone cancer.

Plain x-ray

This is a simple x-ray that can show up changes in the bone and may indicate if secondary bone cancer is present. It’s painless and takes only a few minutes. 

Bone scan

This is a more sensitive test than an x-ray and shows up any abnormal areas of bone in any part of the body. For this test a small amount of a radioactive substance is injected into a vein, usually in the arm, a few hours before the scan. If there is anything wrong it will be shown up by an increased uptake of the radioactive substance in the affected area. It’s important to remember that people with other bone conditions such as osteoporosis and arthritis may have abnormal bone scans without having secondary bone cancer. The scan is not painful but you will have to lie flat and still for about an hour. 

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

MRI uses magnetic waves instead of x-rays. The scans provide a detailed picture of the area being looked at. It can be used as well as a bone scan to help your doctors decide the best treatment for you. Like the bone scan, the MRI scan is not painful but you will have to lie flat and still for up to an hour. 

Blood tests

In some centres you may have a blood test to measure proteins known as tumour markers, which are produced by certain tumours. This may help to monitor your disease.

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