PET-CT in prostate cancer: what to expect

Depending on the tracer and the clinical question, PET-CT may help locate prostate cancer, assess lymph nodes or bones, investigate a rising marker after treatment, or plan targeted therapy. The PET portion shows tracer concentration; CT adds anatomical detail. A finding on the scan is interpreted with prostate examination, blood tests, biopsy, and previous imaging. Uptake does not automatically confirm cancer, and a scan may not show every cancer cell.

Preparation depends on the tracer. Follow the centre's instructions about eating, drinking, exercise, and medicines. Tell staff about diabetes, kidney problems, allergies, pregnancy concerns, and difficulty passing urine. You may receive an injection, wait quietly while it circulates, and then lie still as images are captured. Ask whether you should bring previous PSA results or reports. Do not stop hormone treatment or other medicines unless your clinician specifically tells you to.

Seek urgent help if you cannot pass urine, develop severe back pain with leg weakness, or lose control of your bladder or bowel. Contact your care team promptly for fever, rapidly worsening bone pain, or new weakness. These are symptom-based reasons for assessment; they do not mean a PET finding has established the cause.

Ask which tracer is being used, what the scan is intended to answer, and how the result may affect surveillance, prostate removal surgery, radiotherapy, brachytherapy, or targeted radioisotope therapy. If bone findings are discussed, ask whether bone-strengthening therapy is relevant and whether another test is needed.