Breast Cancer with Metastatic Disease

Mammogram

Note the stellate focal lesion in the upper left breast on this single MLO projection (Medial Lateral Oblique projection which is close to a lateral projection where the upper part of the breast is towards the head and the lower part towards the feet). This is the classic appearance of adenocarcinoma of the breast on mammography.

Bone scan

Unfortunately this same patient presented with back pain and a headache. Note the increased activity on the whole body bone scan. This is related to bony remodeling in response to bone destruction caused by the metastatic tumor. The Tc 99 MDP is taken up in the areas of bony remodeling and are seen as "hot" spots on the bone scan. Fractures will cause increased uptake in a similar manner.