PSMA PET scan: what patients should know

A tracer is injected into a vein and allowed time to circulate. The PET camera detects the tracer’s signal and creates images of its distribution. PSMA can be present on many prostate cancer cells, so this scan is especially useful when the clinical question involves prostate tissue or disease outside the prostate. The team may combine it with CT to locate findings more precisely.

PSMA imaging is different from an FDG radiotracer scan, which follows a different biological process. The choice depends on the suspected disease, previous results, and the question the clinician needs answered. Findings can be reviewed with other scans, biopsy results, and blood tests.

Before booking or attending, tell the service about pregnancy, breastfeeding, allergies, kidney disease, diabetes, and all medicines. Follow the centre’s instructions on food, fluids, and bladder preparation. Plan for a waiting period after injection and keep still while images are acquired. Ask whether you may take regular medicines and whether someone should accompany you.

Afterwards, follow the department’s advice about drinking fluids, using the bathroom, and contact with others. The interpreting clinician will explain what the images mean in the context of your symptoms and medical history.

Tell staff immediately about wheezing, facial swelling, widespread itching, faintness, or severe discomfort after the injection. Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty or collapse. If the scan was arranged because of a new symptom, follow the agreed safety plan rather than waiting for the report if you develop rapidly worsening pain, confusion, weakness, or inability to pass urine.

Ask what the scan is intended to answer, whether CT will be performed at the same visit, how preparation differs from other PET scans, and when the report will be discussed. Ask what an unclear or unexpected area might require next.