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What Causes Cortical Thickening In Bones?

Posted on Wed, 27 May 2015

Question: I just had a bone scan as a part of a clinical trial -- I had treatment for breast cancer on the left side 4 years ago -- and there is "some cortical thickening of the left third rib" on the scan. My oncologist ordered an x-ray, which I got this afternoon. This is the first potentially scary test result that I've had in 4 years. I have had some spasms on the left side over the past year, but I thought they were muscular. Is "cortical thickening" another term for tumor?

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Generally cortical thickening in bones is a benign finding.

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Generally cortical thickening in bones is a benign finding and usually it is not indicative of tumour.

Cortical thickening may present in some bone tumours but other major findings must also present along with it.
Isolated finding of cortical thickening is not worrisome.It may be due to many causes like infection,old trauma,osteoma etc.It is important to see its size,location etc.

Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Indu Kumar (1 hour later)

Thank you so much, Dr. XXXXXXX This eases my mind a bit while I'm waiting to hear the x-ray results. I appreciate your quick response.

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
This is most likely a benign condition.

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Don't worry at all.This is most likely a benign condition and you may not require any treatment.

Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar