Imaging Studies Help Diagnose Prostate Cancer
- The VA offers comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for prostate cancer.
- Imaging scans help doctors make a specific diagnosis and guide treatment choices.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is used to obtain detailed images of the prostate gland and surrounding areas, helping doctors pinpoint tumor location and size.
PSMA PET-CT scans are employed to check for cancer that may have spread beyond the prostate to other parts of the body, providing a broader view of the disease’s extent.
Among the tests and exams you will have, imaging plays a crucial role in this diagnostic process. They provide valuable insights about the extent of the disease.
Read MoreWhat are the most common imaging tests used to diagnose prostate cancer?
The two most commonly used types of imaging tests for diagnosing prostate cancer are:- MRI
- PSMA PET-CT scans
You might have an MRI for prostate cancer to get detailed images of the prostate gland and surrounding areas, allowing doctors to pinpoint tumor location and size.
On the other hand, a PSMA PET-CT checks for cancer that might have spread to other parts of the body, offering a broader view of the disease’s extent.
RELATED: Prostate Cancer: Overview
What is an MRI of the prostate?
MRI, short for magnetic resonance imaging, uses a magnetic field, radiofrequency pulses, and computer technology to generate highly accurate body images.
According to Dr. Nicholas Nickols, MD, PhD, a radiation oncologist at the UCLA Department of Radiation Oncology, MRIs are a key tool for prostate cancer diagnosis. They excel in examining the prostate, detecting potential tumors, and providing critical information about the cancer’s aggressiveness.
“[MRIs are] particularly useful for looking at the prostate and inside the prostate for any potential tumors,” Dr. Nicholas Nickols tells SurvivorNet.
Additionally, MRIs can identify if prostate cancer has spread beyond the prostate to areas such as lymph nodes, bones, or other organs.
All of this information helps doctors decide on the best course of treatment.
What is a PSMA PET-CT scan?
A PSMA PET-CT scan (prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography-computed tomography scan) is a sis a specialized medical imaging technique.
First, a small amount of radioactive substance is injected into your body, which is drawn to a protein abundant in prostate cancer cells.
Then, you undergo a CT scan, which is like a series of X-rays, and a PET scan, which detects the radioactive substance. Together, they create detailed images of your body, especially your prostate area.
These images help doctors see if there are any prostate cancer cells and where they might be located.
How is this different from a regular PET-CT scan?
In a standard PET-CT, a different radioactive substance is used, and it’s not as specific to prostate cancer. The PSMA PET-CT is tailored specifically for prostate cancer, making it more accurate in detecting cancerous cells in the prostate and its surroundings.
Why does this matter?
The precision of the PSMA PET-CT scan can help doctors make better decisions about your prostate cancer treatment. It allows them to see the exact location and extent of the cancer, making treatments more effective and reducing the chances of unnecessary procedures. It’s a powerful tool in the fight against prostate cancer.
“If one has prostate cancer and imaging is indicated, then the risks of undergoing A PSMA PET-CT scan or other molecular imaging is actually quite low, and the benefits typically outweigh any risks,” Dr. Nickols explains.
Who should get a PSMA PET-CT?
Not everyone with a new diagnosis of prostate cancer will require a PSMA PET-CT Scan.
Prostate cancer patients’ cancers are placed into risk categories based on how aggressive their cancer is and the risk it carries for spreading to other parts of the body (metastasizing).
These categories include:
- Low Risk: Includes very-low-risk and low-risk cases, typically with a favorable outlook
- Intermediate Risk: Includes cases that are neither low risk or high risk and may include both favorable and unfavorable intermediate-risk cases
- High Risk: Encompasses both high-risk and very-high-risk groups, indicating more challenging and aggressive cases.
Doctors typically advise patients in the unfavorable-intermediate-risk, high-risk, and very-high-risk groups to undergo imaging such as the PSMA PET-CT Scan to check for cancer beyond their prostate glands.
RELATED: What Happens if My PSA Test is Elevated?
For patients who were previously treated for prostate cancer but have had their cancer return, doctors may also recommend having a PSMA PT-CT scan.
After treatment, physicians keep an eye on their patient’s prostate cancer status by following their level of Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA).
PSA levels tend to drop and remain low after prostate cancer treatment. However, if levels start to rise, it could mean the cancer has come back. In cases like this, doctors will often order a PSMA PET-CT scan to help plan next treatment steps.
Questions to ask your doctor?
- Does the VA cover the costs of my imaging tests?
- Should I get an MRI of my prostate?
- Should I get a PSMA PET-CT scan?
- What did the tests show and what does it mean for treatment?
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