Episode Summary
In this episode, your urologist explains an advanced imaging test called a prostate specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography and computed tomography scan. This test is often called a prostate specific membrane antigen scan. It is used to look for prostate cancer throughout the body and helps your care team see whether cancer is still in the prostate or has spread to lymph nodes, bones, or other organs.
The episode walks you through what prostate cancer is, why this scan may be recommended, and what to expect before, during, and after the test. You will learn how the tracer used in the scan attaches to prostate cancer cells, how the images are created, what the benefits are, and what risks and limitations you should be aware of. The episode also explains how the results of the scan can change your treatment plan and how this test fits into your long term follow up and monitoring.
Who This Episode Is For
- Men who have recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer and are being staged
- Men who have already had surgery or radiation and now have a rising prostate specific antigen blood test
- Patients and families who want to understand what a prostate specific membrane antigen scan is and what it can show
- Anyone who wants a clear, plain language explanation of this newer imaging test
What You Will Learn
- What the prostate is and how prostate cancer develops
- What a prostate specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography and computed tomography scan is and how it works
- When your urologist may recommend this scan, for example at the time of diagnosis or when prostate specific antigen levels rise after treatment
- How the tracer attaches to prostate cancer cells and why areas of cancer light up on the images
- How to prepare for the scan, including simple eating, drinking, and clothing tips
- What actually happens on the day of the scan, from check in to injection to lying in the scanner
- The main benefits of this scan, including its ability to find small spots of cancer and guide treatment decisions
- The possible risks and limits of the scan, including radiation exposure and the chance of false positive or false negative findings
- How doctors use the results to choose or adjust treatments like surgery, radiation, and medicines
- How this scan fits into ongoing monitoring, follow up visits, and prostate specific antigen testing
Key Takeaways
- A prostate specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography and computed tomography scan is a powerful imaging tool that can detect even small areas of prostate cancer throughout the body.
- The test uses a small amount of a radioactive tracer that seeks out prostate cancer cells and makes them easier to see on detailed images.
- This scan is especially helpful for staging higher risk prostate cancer and for locating cancer when the prostate specific antigen level rises after surgery or radiation.
- The test involves a brief injection, a period of quiet rest, and then lying still on a table while images are taken. Most patients tolerate it well.
- There is some radiation exposure and the scan is not perfect, but for many patients the benefits of better information and more targeted treatment outweigh the risks.
- Results are always interpreted together with your history, exam, prostate specific antigen levels, and other tests to create a personalized treatment plan.
This material is prepared by Advanced Urology of Georgia. To make an appointment call 678-344-8900 or go online to www.AdvancedUrology.com
