DEXA scans are primarily used to help measure a person’s bone mineral density. However, recently, the usage cases for these scans have evolved, and people are now even using DEXA scans to help them better understand their body composition and overall health. Most recently, there has been some interest in whether DEXA scans could potentially detect cancer.

Can DEXA Scans Be Used For Cancer Detection?

DEXA scans use energy beams (X-rays) to create an image of your body. They can be used to target your entire body or pinpoint a very specific position. When the images obtained during the scan are assessed, your doctor can see a variety of details, such as your body composition and bone mass.

Asking whether DEXA scans can be used for cancer detection is quite complex. In short, the answer is no. DEXA scans won’t actually detect cancer, but there are ways in which these scans could potentially indicate abnormalities.

Such abnormalities with a patient’s bone structure do not necessarily mean they have cancer. However, it still provides a reason for further investigation, which may sometimes result in the detection of cancer when other tests are done. These abnormalities can also be a sign of other bone-related conditions, such as arthritis.

How Can DEXA Scans Help Cancer Patients?

While DEXA scans won’t be a final diagnostics tool used to diagnose cancer, they can still be useful for people who have been diagnosed with cancer.

There are multiple different ways in which DEXA scans can be used not only by people but also by their care teams to help monitor cancer treatment and development.

Aromatase Inhibitor Therapy Impact on Bones

When someone is diagnosed with breast cancer, they’ll likely be put on aromatase inhibitor treatment. DEXA scans have become a standard testing protocol to be used at baseline.

It’s important to understand the risk of osteoporosis that comes with the use of these drugs. While aromatase inhibitors are effective at lowering levels of estrogen in the person’s body, it also poses a higher likelihood of developing osteoporosis.

Research has found that a DEXA scan offers an effective tool to understanding one’s risk and see how their bone density is affected as they continue to undergo this type of treatment.

One research paper also explains how important compliance is with this strategy and was able to significantly improve the number of people who undergo DEXA scans at baseline when they are newly diagnosed with breast cancer.

Cancer Spreading to the Bone

When cancer becomes metastatic, it can spread to the bones. When this happens, it can become more difficult to treat, especially if the spreading of the cancerous cells is not detected at an early stage.

DEXA scans might not be able to diagnose cancer, but they could provide an indication of the possibility that cancer has spread to the bones. This is due to the abnormalities that usually occur when there is cancer in bones.

A doctor may ask for a targeted DEXA scan that focuses specifically on the bone tissue in the area where the patient has cancerous tumors. This can help them get a detailed view of bone density. If there are abnormalities, it’s important to understand that further tests are needed before it’s possible to confirm the presence of cancer.

Monitoring Patient Health During Treatment

DEXA scans can offer valuable information about a person’s health that goes beyond just the bone mass. These scans can be used to regularly monitor one’s health and progress while they are undergoing cancer treatment.

A study considered the prevalence of weight loss among people undergoing cancer treatment. They found that, among the group of patients they monitored, 66.2% experienced weight loss in the first month after starting their cancer treatment.

This type of weight loss can be a result of not only fat loss but also a reduction in bone density and lean mass. Losing a significant amount of weight during the treatment phase can be dangerous. Doctors can use DEXA scans to get an overview of a person’s body composition and look at how weight loss is affecting the individual.

Conclusion

While DEXA scans cannot detect cancer, it can be a useful tool in patients with the disease. DEXA scans can help to give a better overview of bone density in cancer patients. It’s also possible for the scan to provide guidance in terms of how certain treatments are working.