What should you know about a gallium PSMA PET scan?

A small amount of gallium-labelled tracer is given through a vein. The tracer can collect where PSMA is present, and the PET-CT scanner records its distribution alongside detailed anatomical images. The scan may help assess a known prostate cancer, look for recurrence or clarify whether disease has reached other sites. Uptake is not exclusive to cancer, so inflammation and other tissues can sometimes affect the appearance.

The report is considered with PSA results, examination, previous scans and treatment history. A scan can support a decision without answering every question, and a suspicious area may still need another test or biopsy.

Ask the imaging centre whether you should eat, drink or take usual medicines as normal. Tell staff about kidney problems, allergies, pregnancy possibility and difficulty lying flat. Wear comfortable clothing and remove metal items when asked. Plan to remain at the centre for injection, a waiting period and scanning. Ask whether you should limit close contact with others afterward and how the report will be delivered.

Tell staff immediately about rash, swelling, dizziness or breathing difficulty after the injection. After leaving, seek urgent help for trouble breathing, fainting or rapidly worsening swelling. Contact your oncology team promptly about new severe bone pain, weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or other rapidly worsening symptoms; the scan appointment should not delay assessment.

Ask: What is this scan intended to clarify? How will the result affect staging or treatment? Could uptake have a non-cancer explanation? Would an FDG radiotracer or another scan answer a different question? Is a biopsy needed?