What conditions require a bone scan?

When bone lesions occur in the body, a bone scan is recommended to confirm the diagnosis. A bone scan is a common clinical examination method that involves injecting radioactive isotopes into the body. These isotopes accumulate in areas with high metabolic activity. For example, when tumors are present in the bones—especially malignant lesions—bone condensation can occur early. In general, when X-ray or CT imaging cannot confirm the condition, a bone scan is needed for verification.

It is primarily used for the early diagnosis of primary bone tumors, soft tissue involvement of bone tumors, and lung metastases; evaluating unexplained bone pain; examining skeletal pathological tissues; assisting in radiation therapy planning; determining whether patients with suspected tumors have bone metastases; diagnosing and monitoring inflammatory bone diseases; differentiating stress fractures and avascular necrosis from other joint and bone injuries; and localizing Paget’s disease as well as follow-up after radiotherapy.

When malignant or systemic multiple bone lesions are suspected, a bone scan can clearly identify the sites where bone tumors have developed. Based on the results of the bone scan, localized CT or MRI scans can then be performed, providing strong imaging support for developing surgical plans and helping to avoid misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis.