Abdominal X-ray - Abnormal soft tissues and bones Bone disease
Key points
Assess bones and joints on an abdominal X-ray
Bone disease may be incidental or pivotal to diagnosis
Localised or widespread bone disease may give rise to abdominal symptoms. If you suspect bone or joint disease then dedicated images of the area in question are required.
Occasionally there will be unexpected bone disease seen on an abdominal X-ray which may be incidental only, or pivotal to diagnosis.
Bone tumours
Bone metastases may be seen on abdominal X-rays. These can be lytic (low density - black) or sclerotic (higher density - white). The most frequently encountered bone metastases are prostate cancer in men which is sclerotic, and breast cancer in women which can be sclerotic or lytic.
