National Cancer Institute
U.S. National Institutes of Health | www.cancer.gov
In English | En español
NCI Home
Cancer Topics
Clinical Trials
Cancer Statistics
Research & Funding
News
About NCI
Dictionary of Cancer Terms
In English   En español
Page Options
Print This Page
More NCI Dictionaries
NCI Drug Dictionary

Glossary of Statistical Terms

NCI Dictionary of Genetics Terms

Terminology Resources
Quit Smoking Today
Search for
# A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
In English   En español

bone mineral density scan (... MIH-neh-rul DEN-sih-tee skan)

 An imaging test that measures bone density (the amount of bone mineral contained in a certain volume of bone) by passing x-rays with two different energy levels through the bone. It is used to diagnose osteoporosis (decrease in bone mass and density). Also called BMD scan, DEXA, DEXA scan, dual energy x-ray absorptiometric scan, dual x-ray absorptiometry, and DXA.



Previous Definitions:bone marrow metastasis, bone marrow transplantation, bone mass, bone metastasis, bone mineral density
Next Definitions:bone scan, bone-seeking radioisotope, booster, borderline personality disorder, boron neutron capture therapy

A Service of the National Cancer Institute
Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health USA.gov