Dr. Goswami Parth Rajendragiri
Pathology
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
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Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Several studies indicate I have a bone island, which is a benign condition, on my left pubic bone. Also, in the right femur, there is an osteoid osteoma, a benign tumor. A bone scan showed "mild uptake" in my left forearm and suggested an X-ray of that region. X-ray report indicated "subtle nonspecific heterogenicity of the bone marrow at the junction of mild distal thirds of the radial diaphysis. The etiology and significance of this are uncertain. There are no other bone or soft tissue abnormalities."
Please help me:
1) Other than following up with an orthopedic doctor on the bone island and osteoid osteoma, is there anything to be concerned about?
2) Among all, the "subtle nonspecific heterogenicity of the bone marrow" has got me worried. Is there a sense of urgency in evaluating this further, and is this a common finding in X-rays?
The pain I am currently having is in the area where osteoid osteoma is indicated. I am also having lower back pain and stomach upset with a mild burning sensation.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Following is my opinion on your asked question.
1) Osteoid osteoma is a benign bone tumor. For pain relief, an anti-inflammatory drug is given. Surgical removal is not necessary in most cases unless it is much symptomatic. You can do regular follow up with your orthopedic doctor.
2) The nonspecific heterogenicity of bone marrow is not diagnostic. You can investigate further with MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) if needed. But it might not be urgent.
You can discuss the management plan and follow up with your treating orthopedic doctor.
I hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
Please let me know how common the finding of bone marrow's heterogenicity in X-rays is.
What does this mean in plain English? My layman's interpretation is that the bone marrow at this site appeared different from the rest. Is that correct? Can you point me to some studies to understand what circumstance causes bone marrow to appear different? Is there a conversion process and so on?
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Following is my opinion on your asked question.
The heterogenicity means differences in layman's language. It is common in clinical practice. But clinical correlation and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), like higher investigation, need to be done according to the need. So it means a different-looking area as compared to other areas of bone. It may not be a matter of worry if physical examination or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is normal.
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Pathology
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