The Role Of PSMA PET Scan In Cancer
Prostate cancer is cancer of the prostate gland. According to the studies, 19% of the male population suffers from prostate cancer. This cancer type generally occurs in the male age group of 60-65 years, but in rare cases, it occurs at the age of the ’40s. The growth and spread of prostate cancer can vary from individual to individual. In some cases, it grows at a slow speed and doesn’t spread outside of the prostate gland. But in some cases, it grows at a rapid rate and spreads to the other body parts.
When the cells in the prostate gland start growing abnormally and out of control, prostate cancer develops.
Not every time prostate cancer causes symptoms. But sometimes, it may develop the symptoms such as:
-
Problems while peeing, such as weak stream of urine, pain, burning sensation, bleeding, etc.
-
Frequent urge to urinate.
-
Continuous back and pelvis pain
-
Painful Ejaculation
PSMA (Prostate-specific membrane antigen) PET scans are the newest diagnostic technique that gives information to doctors if prostate cancer exists in the prostate gland or has spread to other parts of the body. It helps doctors decide on surgical or non-surgical treatment therapy to cure cancer.
Keep reading this article for detailed information about the PSMA PET Scan for patients with prostate cancer.
What Is The PSMA PET Scan For Prostate Cancer?
PSMA (prostate-specific membrane antigen) PET scan is a new and highly sensitive imaging technique for prostate cancer. The doctor takes it as the highly promising imaging technique over CT scan and Bone scan. It reveals more extended information about lesions. It not only detects the lesions but also clarifies the lesions that are suspicious but not detected by the other imaging techniques.
This imaging procedure involves the utilization of the radioactive tracer that is injected into you before the scanning procedure. These radioactive medications find the protein on the surface of prostate cancer cells in the prostate gland. The protein present on the surface of the prostate cancer cells in the prostate gland is known as PSMA (Prostate-specific membrane antigen). The radioactive tracer attaches to them to make them highly visible in the image.
Why Is A PSMA PET Scan for Prostate Cancer?
The PSMA PET scan for prostate cancer is used for different purposes. Doctors may order the PSMA PET Scan in various cases, such as:
-
To detect the presence of the cancer cells before their spread.
-
To identify whether the prostate cancer cells have spread to other parts and the area of spread.
-
Plan the cancer treatment.
-
Determining whether the cancer treatment is working.
-
Individuals with a family history of prostate cancer and also who are at a higher risk of developing metastatic prostate cancer.
How Is A PSMA PET Scan Performed?
PSMA PET scan gives information on prostate cancer cells at a molecular level. Before the scanning procedure, a radioactive isotope is given to the patient through an IV line. The radioactive isotope highlights the cancerous cells and helps doctors identify the cancerous cells and their spread. In the body, the radioactive isotope combines with the protein PSMA and highlights the cells. In this way, the PET scanner detects the cancerous cells, their location, and their area of spread. This imaging method doesn’t only diagnose prostate cancer at an early stage but also helps in planning the appropriate treatment for the problem as well as the response to the ongoing treatment.
How Do I Prepare For The PSMA PET Scan?
Some instructions that you need to follow before going for a PSMA PET scan:
-
Avoid eating anything for a minimum of 6 hours before the scan.
-
Drink a lot of water to keep your bladder full because the doctor may ask you to empty your bladder before the scan.
-
Avoid doing any strenuous exercise for 24 hours before the scan.
-
Continue your prescribed medicines.
What To Do After The PSMA PET Scan?
After completion of your PSMA PET scan, you can continue your normal daily activities. Because there will be a very small amount of the radiotracer, to flush it out of your body, the technologist will advise you to drink plenty of water.
Is There Any Risk Associated With The PSMA PET Scan?
The quantity of the radioactive isotope is less, so there is no chance of having side effects. But in rare cases, you may experience allergic reactions.
How Much Time Does A PSMA PET Scan Take?
Typically, the scanning procedure takes 15-20mins. Because the radioactive isotope is administrated to you before the scanning procedure, you have to wait for 1 hour after taking the radioactive tracer. That’s why the entire procedure takes approximately. 1.5 to 2 hours.
How Much Does The PSMA PET Scan Cost?
 If we talk about the cost of a PSMA PET scan, then you can say that the price of this can is not the same at different locations and diagnostic centers. There is a lot of variation in the price, so we can’t tell the exact figure, but it may be between Rs. 23,000 to Rs. 25000. If you want to know the exact cost of a PSMA PET CT Scan in Delhi, then you are advised to contact to any diagnostic center near by you.
Conclusion
Advanced diagnostic test, such as PSMA PET scan, gives you the best chance of early detection of your prostate gland cancer. It fulfills various purposes, such as the detection of cancer, its size, location, spread, and recurrence. It helps the doctors decide on the treatment and also track the response to the ongoing treatment so that the doctor can modify the treatment if required, according to the condition of the patient.
*****
