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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Do Heterogeneous Bone Marrow Signals Mean?

Hi Dr. Krueger.
I currently have some very strange symptoms. One swollen lymph node, and parotid gland that is swollen, along with the muscle that is on side of neck. Has been ongoing for 6 months, and now have "sore throat" and sometimes severe aches along neck- deep inside. I feel pain as far as my ear, and a type of headache. Five months ago, I underwent an MRI, which didn't show anything but heterogenous bone marrow signals? A sed rate westergren? showed a level of 27. I'm a 48 year, non-smoker female. I have had lung pains, and don't believe this began in the throat.
posted on Fri, 14 Mar 2014
Twitter Thu, 29 May 2014 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 29 May 2014 Last reviewed on
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Radiologist,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.

The adult pattern of red and yellow marrow distribution is reached in the early 20s. The bone marrow has cell components which are slowly replaced by fatty component as age advances. Heterogeneous signal may mean a mix of red and yellow (fatty) bone marrow which is seen as a normal finding. If the heterogeneous signals are patchy and focal in distribution then it needs to be further evaluated for any medical disorders.

The neck lymph node, if increasing in size, can be evaluated by doing FNAC. Taking a course of antibiotics for sore throat is also advised.
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What Do Heterogeneous Bone Marrow Signals Mean?

Hi, Thanks for writing in. The adult pattern of red and yellow marrow distribution is reached in the early 20s. The bone marrow has cell components which are slowly replaced by fatty component as age advances. Heterogeneous signal may mean a mix of red and yellow (fatty) bone marrow which is seen as a normal finding. If the heterogeneous signals are patchy and focal in distribution then it needs to be further evaluated for any medical disorders. The neck lymph node, if increasing in size, can be evaluated by doing FNAC. Taking a course of antibiotics for sore throat is also advised.