Guide to Prostate Cancer Diagnostic Scans (2025)

Imaging scans are important tools for diagnosing and staging prostate cancer. They help doctors see where the cancer is located and if it has spread (metastasized) beyond the prostate. Different scans provide different information. This guide explains the main imaging tests used in 2025 – CT scans, MRI, PET scans, and bone scans – how they work, why they’re used, and what patients can expect. We also cover the contrast dyes and tracers used in these scans, and list key questions you can ask your doctor.

Computed Tomography (CT) Scan

 

CT Scanner: A CT scanner is a large, donut-shaped machine. You lie on a motorized table that slides through the hole in the center of the scanner. The CT machine uses X-rays taken from many angles to create detailed cross-sectional images (“slices”) of your body. A computer compiles these slice images to give a very detailed picture of your internal organs and tissues. CT scans are fast and painless. Unlike MRI, a CT can be done even if you have metal implants (for example, a pacemaker), since it uses X-rays instead of magnets.

Purpose in prostate cancer: In prostate cancer, CT scans are commonly used to check if cancer has spread to lymph nodes or other organs (like the liver or lungs). Doctors often order a CT scan for patients with high-risk prostate cancer (for example, those with a high PSA level or high Gleason score). The CT images can show enlarged lymph nodes that might contain cancer. However, CT cannot detect very small areas of cancer, especially tiny lymph node metastases. Its sensitivity for microscopic cancer spread is limited. In other words, a CT scan might miss very small tumors. Still, CT is part of standard staging in many guidelines to look for obvious spread of the disease. CT scans are quick to perform, which is helpful if swift staging information is needed.

What to expect during a CT scan:

  • Preparation: You may be asked to avoid eating for a few hours before a CT scan, especially if a contrast dye will be used. Remove any metal objects (belt, jewelry) before the scan.
  • Contrast injection: In many cases, the radiologist will inject an iodine-based contrast dye into a vein (usually in your arm) just before the scan. This dye makes blood vessels and certain organs show up more clearly on the images. You might feel a brief warm flush or a metallic taste when the dye goes in – this is normal.
  • Scanning process: You will lie flat on the CT table, and the table will slide in and out of the donut-shaped scanner. The scan itself is painless and very quick – each scan pass takes only seconds. The machine may make whirring or clicking noises as it moves.
  • Breath-holding: For some parts of the body, you might be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds while the X-rays are taken. This helps get a clear image. Otherwise, just lie still and breathe normally.
  • Duration: A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis for prostate cancer staging typically only takes a few minutes once you are positioned. The entire appointment, including preparation, is usually 15–30 minutes. After the scan, you can resume normal activities. It’s a good idea to drink plenty of water to help flush out the contrast dye through your kidneys.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

 

MRI Scanner: MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of the body. The MRI machine is a large tube-shaped magnet. You lie on a table that slides into a tunnel-like opening in the scanner. Unlike CT, MRI does not use X-rays – so there’s no radiation exposure. Instead, MRI detects signals from hydrogen atoms in your body (which are affected by the magnet) to create images. MRI scans take longer than CT scans but provide excellent soft tissue detail.

Purpose in prostate cancer: MRI is very useful for seeing the prostate gland and nearby tissues in high detail. A special type called multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) is often used. This combines different MRI sequences (such as T2-weighted images, diffusion-weighted images, and sometimes dynamic contrast enhancement) to better identify prostate tumors. MRI helps doctors determine the exact location and size of a tumor within the prostate. It also shows whether the cancer is still confined to the prostate or has started to grow through the prostate capsule into nearby areas. For example, MRI can show if cancer is invading the seminal vesicles or the bladder area. Multiparametric MRI is currently the most widely used imaging method for tumor localization and staging in prostate cancer, with high sensitivity and specificity for detecting clinically significant tumors. In fact, mpMRI can detect prostate tumors with about 72% sensitivity and 81% specificity, meaning it catches most significant cancers and has a good accuracy. MRI is also helpful in planning surgery or targeted therapies because it gives a clear map of the tumor. Before a biopsy, an MRI can guide doctors to suspicious areas, so they sample the right spots. However, MRI by itself is not typically used to find distant metastases; it’s mainly for the prostate and pelvis.

What to expect during an MRI scan:

  • Preparation: For an MRI, you will need to remove all metal objects, such as watches, jewelry, glasses, or belts. Credit cards and phones should be left outside – the magnet can damage them. Tell your doctor and the MRI technologist if you have any metal implants or devices in your body (like a pacemaker, cochlear implant, metal plates, or clips). These might prevent you from having an MRI or require special precautions. You might be asked to not eat for a couple of hours beforehand if contrast will be used, but often no special diet is needed.
  • Contrast injection: Sometimes an MRI contrast dye (gadolinium-based) is injected into a vein during the test. Not all prostate MRIs require contrast, but if they do a dynamic contrast study, the gadolinium helps show blood flow patterns in the prostate and can make tumors more visible. This injection is generally well-tolerated; you might feel coolness in the arm. (Gadolinium contrast is usually safe, but if you have severe kidney problems, they will check because the body clears the dye through the kidneys.)
  • Scanning process: For the scan, you will lie on a sliding table and a piece of equipment called a coil may be placed around your pelvic area (on your stomach or wrapped around you) – this helps the MRI get a clearer signal. (In the past, some MRIs used an internal coil in the rectum for prostate imaging, but newer machines usually do not need this.) The table then moves you into the tunnel-like scanner. It is very important to lie completely still, because movement can blur the images. The machine will make loud tapping or knocking sounds during the scan – this is normal. You’ll likely be given earplugs or headphones to protect your hearing. You might even be able to listen to music through the headphones.
  • Claustrophobia management: The MRI tunnel is somewhat narrow. If you feel anxious in tight spaces, let your medical team know. They can often help by talking you through the procedure, and in some cases can offer a mild sedative beforehand. Some newer MRI facilities also have wider, shorter “open” MRI machines. Keeping your eyes closed and taking slow breaths can help you stay calm. Remember, the technologist is watching and you can speak to them through an intercom if needed.
  • Duration: An MRI for prostate imaging typically takes 30–45 minutes (sometimes up to an hour if very detailed). It’s longer than a CT, so patience is key. You will hear multiple rounds of noises as different image sequences are taken. Between sequences, there may be brief quiet periods – use these to relax and stay still.
  • After the scan: You won’t feel anything from the MRI itself when it’s done – there are no after-effects. If contrast was used, it does not usually cause any sensation after the fact. You can resume normal activities right away. There’s no radiation, so no special precautions are needed. Just remember to take your personal belongings (and credit cards) back, as they might have had to be stored away from the magnet.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan

 

PET/CT Scanner: PET scans show how cells in the body are functioning by using a small amount of radioactive tracer. Modern PET scanners are often combined with a CT scanner in the same machine (PET/CT) – as shown in the image, where a patient lies with arms above their head inside a PET/CT scanner. In a PET scan, you are injected with a radioactive tracer – a substance that travels through your blood and is taken up by certain cells. The tracer emits signals (positrons) that the PET scanner detects to create images. The CT part provides detailed anatomical pictures, and the PET part shows bright spots (“hot spots”) where the tracer has accumulated, indicating high metabolic activity or specific molecular targets. In prostate cancer, the most advanced PET scans use tracers that bind to PSMA (prostate-specific membrane antigen), a protein found in high amounts on prostate cancer cells. This makes prostate cancer cells light up on the PET image, even if they are small.

Purpose in prostate cancer: PET scans are very powerful for finding cancer that has spread outside the prostate. They can often detect smaller metastases than a CT or bone scan can. In 2025, a common tracer is PSMA PET (using tracers like Gallium-68 PSMA-11 or F-18 PSMA). This scan can show cancer in lymph nodes, bones, or other organs with great clarity. Studies have shown that PSMA PET/CT is much more accurate than a standard CT and bone scan for detecting prostate cancer spread​ pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. In fact, PSMA PET can have a sensitivity around 98% for metastases, compared to about 83% for bone scan, and a specificity of about 97%​. This means it very rarely misses metastases and has a very low false-positive rate. Because of this high accuracy, PSMA PET is increasingly used for initial staging in men with high-risk prostate cancer – it often finds hidden cancer spots that the older scans might miss​. PET scans are also used if a patient’s PSA rises after treatment (like surgery or radiation) to find where the cancer might have come back. A PET scan can search the whole body in one test. Different PET tracers exist: besides PSMA, there are others like Fluciclovine (Axumin), which is an amino acid tracer often used for detecting recurrent prostate cancer, or Choline PET in some centers. These tracers all target prostate cancer cells in different ways, but the goal is the same – to light up any metastatic tumors no matter where they are. PET/CT images combine the functional map with the CT anatomy, so doctors can pinpoint the exact location of any hot spots. If a PET scan is positive (shows spread), it can change the treatment plan (for example, indicating the need for systemic therapy or targeted radiation to metastases). If it’s negative (no spread seen), that is reassuring and might mean a more localized treatment (like surgery) is appropriate.

 

What to expect during a PET scan:

  • Preparation: You’ll receive instructions specific to the tracer. Often, you’ll need to avoid eating for a few hours(typically 4–6 hours) before the scan, especially if the tracer is one that could be affected by blood sugar levels (like some PET tracers – for example, FDG PET in other cancers requires fasting). For PSMA or fluciclovine PET, you may also be asked to avoid vigorous exercise the day before. Wear comfortable, warm clothes (the injection and waiting period can make some people feel a bit chilly).
  • Tracer injection: When you arrive, a technologist will place an IV line in your arm and inject the radioactive tracer. The amount of radioactivity is very small and targeted, so it’s generally safe. You won’t feel anything from the tracer itself. After the injection, you’ll typically wait about 45 minutes to an hour to give the tracer time to circulate and bind to any cancer cells. During this time, you’ll be asked to sit or lie quietly. It’s important to stay relatively still and relaxed during the uptake phase – moving around or exerting yourself could send the tracer to muscles instead of where we want it. You might be asked to drink some water while waiting (to help clear excess tracer that isn’t taken up by cancer, and to fill the bladder, depending on protocol).
  • Scanning process: Next, you’ll lie on the scanning table, and the table will move slowly through the PET/CT scanner. The machine looks similar to a regular CT scanner. It’s open at both ends like a short tunnel. The scan is painless – you just need to remain still. First, usually a quick CT scan is done (to help with the PET image fusion and for anatomy). Then the PET scan itself takes place. The machine will scan your body in segments, usually from mid-thigh up through the chest (for prostate cancer staging). Each segment might take a few minutes. The entire PET/CT scan might take about 20–30 minutes of scanning time. It’s quiet; you won’t feel anything – maybe just the table moving occasionally.
  • After the scan: Once the imaging is done, you can get up and leave. The tracer’s radioactivity wears off quickly – much of it will decay or pass out of your body by the end of the day. The technologist may advise you to drink plenty of fluids for the rest of the day to help flush the tracer out through your urine. They may also suggest keeping some distance from infants or pregnant women for the rest of that day, just as an extra precaution (though the level of radioactivity is low). There are typically no side effects from the tracer – it shouldn’t make you feel sick or anything. The results of the PET/CT will be analyzed by a specialized doctor (nuclear medicine physician or radiologist) and your doctor will explain what they found.

Bone Scan (Bone Scintigraphy)

What it is and how it works: A bone scan is a type of nuclear medicine imaging test that looks specifically at your skeleton. It is different from CT or MRI because it doesn’t give detailed pictures of organs; instead, it highlights areas of bone activity. Prostate cancer, when it spreads, often goes to the bones (common places are the spine, pelvis, ribs, etc.). A bone scan can show if there are any cancerous spots in your bones. To do a bone scan, a small amount of a radioactive tracer (such as Technetium-99m labeled phosphate compound) is injected into your bloodstream. Over a few hours, this tracer travels and attaches to your bones, especially in areas where bone cells are very active (repairing or growing). Cancer in the bone causes the bone to react and form new bone, which is detected by the tracer as “hot spots.” A special camera (gamma camera) then scans your body and detects the radiation coming from those areas, creating an image of your skeleton with any abnormal spots highlighted. It’s important to note that a bone scan does not show the cancer cells directly – it shows the bone’s reaction to something unusual, like tumor activity. Some non-cancerous conditions can also cause “hot spots” (for example, arthritis, old fractures, or infections can light up on a bone scan), so doctors interpret the results in context of your situation.

Purpose in prostate cancer: The purpose of a bone scan is to find out if the prostate cancer has spread to your bones. This test has been a standard part of staging for medium- to high-risk prostate cancer for many years. If your PSA is high or your cancer is aggressive, your doctor will likely order a bone scan to check for bone metastases. Typically, if PSA is low and there are no other signs of spread, a bone scan might not be needed because it’s very unlikely to find anything in low-risk cases (bone scans rarely detect metastases when PSA is under 10 ng/mL, for example). But for higher PSA or more aggressive tumors, bone scans can reveal metastases in bones that might not yet be causing symptoms. The bone scan can survey the entire skeleton at once. However, it has limits: it might miss very small metastases, and as mentioned, it can sometimes light up areas that aren’t cancer. With the advent of PSMA PET scans, doctors increasingly use PET scans to find bone metastases, because PSMA PET is more sensitive and specific than a traditional bone scan​. For instance, if PSMA PET is available and is done, a separate bone scan might not be necessary because the PET will show bone lesions too. But bone scans are still widely used in many places and are very effective at finding significant bone metastases. They remain a critical tool for staging prostate cancer, especially where PET is not available. If a bone scan is positive, it means the cancer has spread to the bone (stage IV disease), which will affect treatment choices. If it’s negative, it suggests no detectable bone spread, which is good news.

 

What to expect during a bone scan:

  • Preparation: Little preparation is needed. You can eat and drink normally before the test. When you arrive, you’ll be given an explanation and asked to sign a consent form. Let the team know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding (bone scans are not usually done in those cases due to radiation). Also mention if you’ve had any recent tests that might affect the bones (like a barium study or CT with contrast) – usually not an issue, but good for them to know.
  • Tracer injection: A technologist will inject the radioactive tracer into a vein in your arm. It feels like a simple shot or IV start – just a pinprick. There are no immediate sensations from the tracer; it doesn’t burn or hurt when it goes in. After the injection, there is a waiting period of about 2 to 3 hours. This allows time for the tracer to circulate and get absorbed by your bones. During this time, you’ll likely be free to leave the department – you might be told you can walk around, use the restroom, or even grab a snack (just avoid anything too messy because you have the injection site). You will also be encouraged to drink plenty of fluids (water or juice) during this waiting time. Drinking helps flush out any tracer that doesn’t go to your bones, and it improves the quality of the images. You should also try to urinate frequently to clear excess tracer from your bladder (this prevents the bladder from blocking the view of pelvic bones).
  • Scanning process: After the uptake time (the waiting period), you’ll return for the scan itself. You’ll lie down on a scanning table. The gamma camera (which is a large, flat camera) will move slowly above and below you. It can scan your whole body from head to toe, usually taking images as it moves along your body. The camera might come quite close to you – almost touching – but it should not press on you or cause pain. It’s important to lie stillwhile the pictures are being taken (usually about 15–30 minutes for a full body scan). The machine is quiet – you might hear it humming softly. It’s open (not a tunnel like MRI), so you shouldn’t feel confined, although the camera does hover close. If they need more detailed images of a specific area, they might take additional spot images or use SPECT (a type of 3D imaging where the camera rotates around you). SPECT imaging can add another 10–15 minutes per area if done.
  • After the scan: Once it’s done, the technologist will let you know you can go. There are no side effects to worry about from the tracer – it will naturally lose its radioactivity and exit your body (mostly through urine) over the next day. Continue to drink fluids for the rest of the day to help clear it. The amount of radiation you receive from a bone scan is low (comparable to or even less than a CT scan’s exposure). You won’t “emit” significant radiation to others, so it’s generally fine to be around people. (If you want to be extra careful, you could avoid long, close contact with young children or pregnant individuals for the rest of that day, but even that isn’t usually necessary with the low dose used). The images from your bone scan will be studied by a specialist, and results are usually ready within a day or two. Your doctor will then explain whether any “hot spots” were found on your bones.

Other Relevant Imaging Tests

In addition to CT, MRI, PET, and bone scans, there are a few other imaging tools that might be used in prostate cancer care:

  • Ultrasound (TRUS – Transrectal Ultrasound): This is an imaging test that uses sound waves to create pictures of the prostate. For a TRUS, a small ultrasound probe is gently inserted a short distance into the rectum to get close to the prostate gland (since the prostate lies just in front of the rectum). TRUS is commonly used during a prostate biopsy to help guide the biopsy needles into the right areas of the prostate. However, by itself, ultrasound is not very good at detecting prostate cancer or seeing its spread – many prostate tumors don’t show up clearly on standard ultrasound. The image quality is good for guiding needle placement, but a tumor and normal prostate tissue can look similar on ultrasound. Sensitivity of TRUS for prostate cancer is only around 40–50%, basically a coin flip. So, ultrasound’s main role is guidance for biopsy and for procedures like placing radiation seeds, rather than diagnosis or staging. It’s a quick procedure and done in the office. If your doctor recommends a biopsy, they will likely do it with TRUS guidance. Preparation usually involves an enema and antibiotics to reduce infection risk, and local anesthetic to numb the area. TRUS itself just feels like some pressure – similar to a rectal exam.

  • PSMA PET/MRI: In some advanced medical centers, the PET scanner is combined with an MRI machine instead of CT. This is called PET/MRI. It’s not yet as widely available as PET/CT, but it’s emerging. For patients, the experience is similar to a PET/CT (injection and waiting) and then an MRI scan instead of CT. The advantage is the superior soft-tissue detail of MRI with the molecular info of PET. This can be useful for certain cases, but because it’s newer technology, it might not be readily accessible everywhere in 2025. Most patients will get PET/CT, not PET/MRI, for practicality.

  • Plain X-rays: Regular X-rays are not routinely used to stage prostate cancer, because they are not sensitive for detecting cancer spread. In the past, a chest X-ray might be done to check the lungs, but now a CT covers that if needed. X-rays might still be used if a patient has a specific bone pain – for example, an X-ray of a sore leg – but generally the bone scan or PET is a better whole-body survey for metastases.

  • Advanced MRI techniques: There are specialized MRI techniques (like whole-body MRI or diffusion-weighted whole-body imaging) that are being studied to detect metastases without radiation. These are mostly in research or specialized centers. The standard approach is still to use the scans described above.

For most patients, the key imaging tests will be CT and bone scan or a PSMA PET, plus an MRI of the prostate. Your doctor will decide which scans you need based on your cancer’s risk level and the availability of newer tests. Don’t hesitate to ask why a certain scan is (or isn’t) being ordered – sometimes one comprehensive scan (like PSMA PET) can replace multiple separate scans.

Intravenous Tracers and Contrast Dyes in Imaging

Many imaging scans use a special injected substance to make the pictures clearer or to highlight certain cells. Here’s a breakdown of the types of intravenous tracers or dyes you might encounter, and why they’re used:

  • CT Scan – Iodine Contrast Dye: For CT scans, especially of the abdomen and pelvis, doctors often use an iodine-based contrast dye given through an IV. This contrast travels in the bloodstream and makes blood vessels and organs more visible on the CT images. In prostate cancer staging, contrast can help highlight lymph nodes or liver lesions, making it easier to see abnormal enlargement or tumors. The iodine dye is eventually filtered out by your kidneys and passed in your urine. Side effects are uncommon; you might feel a warm sensation during the injection or a strange taste in your mouth. Allergic reactions are rare but can happen – be sure to tell your doctor if you’ve ever had a reaction to CT contrast before (or have a shellfish/iodine allergy, although shellfish allergy isn’t always predictive of contrast allergy). The medical team is prepared to manage reactions, but again, serious reactions are very uncommon. Hydration before and after helps protect your kidneys and flush out the dye. Most patients handle it just fine.

  • MRI Scan – Gadolinium Contrast Dye: Some MRI scans use a gadolinium-based contrast agent. Gadolinium is a metal that, when chelated into a contrast agent, affects the magnetic properties of nearby water molecules, improving the MRI’s ability to detect some types of tissue differences. In prostate MRI, a dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) sequence can show how blood flows in the prostate and a tumor (tumors often have more blood supply). If the MRI protocol includes DCE, you’ll get gadolinium through an IV. Gadolinium contrast is usually very safe. Allergic reactions are possible but extremely rare. One precaution: if you have severe kidney disease, high-dose gadolinium can be risky (a condition called NSF), but for most people with normal kidney function this isn’t an issue at the doses used for MRI. The gadolinium agent is excreted via the kidneys. After the scan, your body will clear it out naturally (drinking water can help speed this along). Many prostate MRI scans can actually be done without contrast, depending on protocols, because other sequences (like diffusion) are quite good at finding tumors. Your doctor will decide if contrast is needed. If it’s used, it can provide additional information about tumor vascularity. You likely won’t feel any different with gadolinium – it doesn’t cause the flushing like iodine sometimes does. Just a cold sensation in the arm possibly.

  • PET Scan – Radioactive Tracers: PET scans rely on radioactive tracers injected into your bloodstream. Unlike CT/MRI dyes, these are not “dyes” that make an image clearer, but rather molecules that seek out specific targetsand emit radiation signals to create the image. For prostate cancer, common PET tracers include [^68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11, [^18F]DCFPyL (PSMA-based tracers), and [^18F]Fluciclovine (Axumin), among others. Each tracer has two parts: a radioactive atom (like Gallium-68 or Fluorine-18) and a carrier molecule that determines where it goes. For example, PSMA tracers use a molecule that binds to the PSMA protein on prostate cancer cells. This means after injection, the tracer will stick to prostate cancer cells throughout the body. The radioactive part then gives off signals that the PET scanner detects, lighting up those cells on the scan​ pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Another example is choline PET: choline is taken up by rapidly growing cells (used to make cell membranes), so a radio-labeled choline accumulates in cancer cells more than normal cells. Because these tracers are targeted, PET scans can distinguish cancerous tissue from normal tissue. The radioactivity in PET tracers is very short-lived – it decays away usually within hours. The amount used is carefully calculated to be enough for the scan but not enough to cause harm. It’s a bit like getting an X-ray dose, but coming from inside the body. Side effects from the tracer itself are exceedingly rare; most people don’t feel anything from it. Just the small radiation exposure, which is generally considered acceptable for the diagnostic benefit. After a PET, the tracer will mostly vanish or be excreted (often through urine or sometimes the bowels) by the next day. It’s wise to drink a lot of water after the scan to help clear it out. If you’re undergoing a PET scan, your care team will give you all the needed safety info, but rest assured these tracers have been used in many patients and have a good safety record.

     

  • Bone Scan – Technetium-99m Tracer: The bone scan tracer is typically Technetium-99m MDP (methylene diphosphonate) or a similar compound. This tracer acts like calcium and goes into bones, particularly where bones are being broken down and rebuilt. Areas of cancer in bone often have a lot of this turnover, so the tracer concentrates there, creating a “hot spot” on the scan. The tracer is injected IV and needs time to circulate (as described earlier). Technetium-99m emits gamma rays which the gamma camera detects. This isotope has a half-life of about 6 hours, so its activity reduces quickly. By the next day, only a small fraction remains, and it keeps decreasing. The bone scan tracer might cause a brief metallic taste when injected (some people report that, others don’t feel it). No significant side effects occur; it’s a very low dose of radiation to any one area, just enough for imaging. After the test, hydration and frequent urination help remove the tracer from your body faster. If you’re around babies or very young children later that day, just minimize super close contact for long periods (to be extra safe), but normal interactions are fine.

In summary, all these tracers and dyes are tools to enhance imaging. They either improve the contrast of the picture or hone in on cancer cells to make them visible. Doctors choose them based on what they are looking for:

  • Iodine and gadolinium enhance anatomical detail on CT and MRI.
  • PET tracers seek out cancer’s metabolic or molecular signals.
  • Bone scan tracers show bone remodeling activity.

Each is given through a vein, usually right before the scan (or a couple hours before, for bone scan). It’s normal to feel a bit anxious about “radioactive” injections or “dye,” but millions of these are done safely. If you have concerns (for example, about allergies or radiation), discuss them with your healthcare team. They will explain why a tracer is needed (or not needed) for your scan and how they ensure your safety. Always inform them of any past reactions or medical conditions, as that helps them pick the right type of contrast/tracer or take precautions. By enhancing the images, these injected substances greatly increase the accuracy and usefulness of the scans, helping your doctors make the best decisions for your care.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

When your doctor orders an imaging test, it’s a good idea to understand why and what it entails. Here are some questions you might consider asking your doctor about prostate cancer scans:

  1. Why do I need this scan, and what information are you looking for? – Understanding the purpose (diagnosis, staging, checking for spread, planning treatment) will help you know the importance of the test.
  2. How will the results of this scan affect my treatment plan? – For example, ask if a positive finding would change the approach vs. a negative finding. This helps you grasp the scan’s role in decision-making.
  3. Are there any alternatives to this scan? – If you are told to get a CT and bone scan, you might ask if a PET scan (like a PSMA PET) is available and would it be better in your case. Your doctor can explain the options, availability, and why a particular scan is chosen.
  4. What do I need to do to prepare for the scan? – Do you need to fast, avoid certain medications, or drink plenty of water beforehand? Should you arrive early? Getting clear instructions will make the process smoother.
  5. What will happen during the scan, and how long will it take? – Knowing the steps can ease anxiety. For instance, if you’re claustrophobic and it’s an MRI, the doctor can talk to you about possible strategies (like mild sedation or an open MRI).
  6. Does the scan involve any risks or side effects? – This covers concerns about radiation exposure, allergic reactions to contrast dye, or any other safety issues. Your doctor can put these risks in perspective for you.
  7. Will I need someone to come with me or drive me home after the scan? – Most imaging tests don’t impair you, but if you’re receiving a sedative for MRI due to claustrophobia, for example, you might need a ride. It’s good to clarify this in advance.
  8. If the scan finds something suspicious, what’s the next step? – For example, ask if another biopsy would be needed, or if additional scans or treatments would follow. Knowing the possible outcomes can mentally prepare you.
  9. How often will I need imaging tests? – This might refer to follow-up scans after treatment or during active surveillance. It’s useful to know if this is likely a one-time check or if you’ll be doing this regularly.
  10. Is there anything I should do after the scan? – For instance, drink a lot of water, or avoid close contact with family for a short time (in the case of nuclear medicine scans). Usually there’s not much special to do, but it’s good to ask.

Feel free to ask any other questions that come to mind. No question is too small. Understanding your tests helps you become an informed partner in your care. Doctors and nurses expect these questions and will be happy to explain – their goal is to make sure you are comfortable and informed every step of the way. Each patient’s situation is unique, so asking these questions will get you answers tailored to your specific case.

By learning about these diagnostic scans – how they work, why they’re used, and what the experience is like – you can approach your prostate cancer imaging tests with more confidence and less fear. These scans provide crucial information that guides doctors in giving you the best possible care. Always communicate openly with your healthcare team about any concerns or queries. With knowledge and support, you will be better prepared for the journey ahead.

References:

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  2. Giganti F, et al. (2021). Prostate MRI: basic principles and emerging techniques. Diagnostics (Basel), 11(10), 1811 .

  3. Taneja SS. (2019). Reimagining prostate cancer detection: MRI-TRUS fusion biopsy. Urologic Oncology, 37(2), 81-87 .

  4. Fendler WP, et al. (2019). 68Ga-PSMA PET as novel imaging modality for prostate cancer. Journal of Nuclear Medicine, 60(9), 1276-1282

  5. Pyka T, et al. (2016). Bone scan vs. 68Ga-PSMA PET for skeletal staging in prostate cancer. Journal of Nuclear Medicine, 57(9), 1406-1410.

  6. Sartor O & Castellanos E. (2021). Emerging role of fluciclovine PET in biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer. American Journal of Roentgenology, 216(3), 678-687 .

  7. Gillies RJ, et al. (2018). Pharmacokinetics of iodine and gadolinium contrast in imaging. Radiology, 289(2), 338-354.

  8. Hope TA, et al. (2019). A prospective comparison of PSMA PET and conventional imaging in prostate cancer (ProPSMA study). The Lancet, 395(10231), 1208-1216

  9. Hricak H, et al. (2018). Role of imaging in management of prostate cancer: MRI, PET, and beyond. Radiology, 288(3), 626-642.

  10. Jadvar H. (2020). Prostate cancer: PET with 68Ga-PSMA-11, PET Clinics, 15(4), 551-558