human
I've been told that I need a bone density scan. What is this scan and why is it important?
assistant
A bone density scan is a medical imaging test used to evaluate the density of bones. It can help doctors diagnose conditions such as osteoporosis, osteopenia, and osteomalacia. Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones become weak and brittle due to a decrease in bone density, which increases the risk for fractures. Osteopenia is a milder form of osteoporosis where there is still some bone density but not enough to prevent fractures. Osteomalacia is a condition where the bones are soft and weak due to a lack of mineralization. These conditions are all caused by a variety of factors including aging, diet, medications, and hormonal changes.