How is a bone density test done on a woman

A DEXA scan uses low-dose X-rays to measure bone density and strength. It is commonly done to check for osteoporosis or bone weakening but not specifically to look for cancer.

If you’re worried about bone cancer, you may be wondering which tests are the best for diagnosing the condition.

We’ll take you through the options your clinician may recommend to detect bone cancer, from bone scans and X-rays to biopsies and MRI scans.

What is a DEXA scan?

A DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scan is an imaging scan that uses low-dose X-rays to check the mineral density of your bones.

At what age should a woman get a bone density test

You might also hear it referred to as a bone densitometry scan. It’s commonly used to check for signs of osteoporosis rather than bone cancer. However, if you have treatment for bone cancer, your clinician may recommend a DEXA scan to check the health of your bones after treatment.

It’s a simple, painless procedure that checks how much X-ray gets absorbed by your bones to calculate their density and strength. It takes about

does bone density scan detect cancer

can a bone density test reveal cancer