Read our complete guide for patients on the PSMA PET CT scan. Understand the procedure, its purpose in detecting prostate cancer, and what to expect.
What is a PSMA PET Scan?
PSMA (Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen) refers to the protein that is present on membranes of prostate cancer cells. In this method, a radioactive tracer is introduced inside the body through channel veins and is constructed solely to attach to PSMA.
When the tracer approaches the prostate cancer cells, the scanner obtains clear pictures thanks to the CT imaging that it offers.
Why is a PSMA PET Scan performed?
Doctors recommend a PSMA PET Scan for several important reasons, including:
• Identifying potential prostate cancer
• Telling if cancer has advanced out of the prostate
• Recognizing metastasis after surgical treatment or radiation therapy
• Defining the stage of prostate cancer
• Monitoring the results of the medical treatment applied
• Selecting the optimum targeted therapies, such as radio-ligand therapy
Who may need this Scan?
A PSMA PET Scan is commonly recommended for:
- Men with newly diagnosed high-risk prostate cancer
- Patients with rising PSA levels after prostate cancer treatment
- Individuals suspected of having metastatic prostate cancer
- Patients being evaluated before surgery or radiation therapy
- Those being considered for PSMA-targeted treatment
How is the procedure performed?
There are no difficulties with the scanning procedure; it is very easy to get through it.
The first step is for a nurse to administer this special agent called PSMA via an injection into your arm. Once the PSMA tracer is injected, the patient will wait for around an hour (45 minutes for the blood to be distributed through the whole body).
After this period, the patient will lie down on the table of the PET CT scanner.
The scanner will move through his/her body very slowly and it will take around 30 minutes.
The entire procedure is painless and almost everybody will be able to lead a normal life after it.
How should you prepare?
Patients are advised to:
- Stay well hydrated before the scan.
- Wear comfortable clothing without metal accessories.
- Inform the medical team about any medications you are taking.
- Tell your doctor if you have any significant medical conditions.
- Follow any fasting instructions if recommended.
What are the benefits of a PSMA PET Scan?
A PSMA PET Scan offers several important advantages over many conventional imaging methods:
- Detects prostate cancer at an early stage
- Identifies very small cancer deposits
- Provides accurate whole-body imaging
- Helps determine the extent of disease spread
- Assists in selecting the most appropriate treatment
- Detects recurrence even at low PSA levels
- Improves treatment planning and follow-up
- Reduces the need for multiple imaging tests
How to book PSMA PET CT Scan test online at Ganesh Imaging?
You can book PSMA PET CT Scan test at Ganesh Imaging by going to their website and book test within no time. You can also book your test by messaging the whatsapp number which is provided on the website.
Which PSMA PET CT SCAN test centre is near me?
The PSMA PET CT Scan test centre near me is Ganesh Imaging, which gives quality tests at affordable rates and provides special discounts for poor people.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I have to remove shoes before doing PSMA PET CT Scan?
Normally you have to remove the shoes for PET CT Scan and also for maintaining cleanliness of the lab.
Which test centre is best for booking PSMA PET CT Scan?
Ganesh Imaging is a well equipped lab centre, which focuses on accuracy and affordability of tests especially in PSMA PET CT Scan.
Is the Scan safe?
Yes. A PSMA PET Scan is generally considered safe. The amount of radioactive tracer used is very little.
How much time is taken by the PSMA PET CT Scan?
It depends on workflow and availability of staff but usually it takes almost 1 hour.
