Scans for prostate cancer: what to know

A scan may assess the size and shape of the prostate, nearby tissues, lymph nodes, or bones. Magnetic resonance imaging can provide detailed pictures of the prostate and help guide a biopsy. Other imaging may be considered when a clinician needs to assess disease beyond the prostate. A scan cannot by itself confirm every prostate cancer diagnosis; the result is interpreted with your symptoms, prostate-specific antigen testing, examination, and biopsy findings.

Difficulty passing urine can occur with prostate enlargement and other conditions as well as prostate cancer, so the symptom needs clinical assessment rather than a conclusion based on the symptom alone.

Ask the imaging team how to prepare. Depending on the scan, you may need to discuss medicines, metal objects, kidney problems, allergies, or whether contrast is appropriate. Follow instructions about eating, drinking, or having a comfortably full bladder when provided. Tell the team if you have an implanted device or feel anxious in enclosed spaces.

After the images are reviewed, your clinician will explain whether further testing, monitoring, or treatment planning is needed. Possible treatment discussions can include radiotherapy, brachytherapy, surgery, or targeted radioisotope therapy, depending on the findings and your overall health.

Contact a healthcare professional promptly if you cannot pass urine, develop severe lower abdominal pain, see significant blood in your urine, or feel faint with worsening symptoms. Seek urgent help for sudden weakness, confusion, severe breathlessness, or severe bone pain. These symptoms need assessment regardless of what a previous scan showed.

Which scan is being recommended, and what question will it answer? Do I need contrast or special preparation? When and how will the result be explained? Could the scan change whether I need a biopsy or affect treatment planning? What symptoms should prompt me to contact the team?