Further tests for prostate cancer

 

Isotope bone scan Back to top

The bone is the most common place for prostate cancer to spread to. A bone scan can show abnormal areas of bone. A very small amount of a mildly radioactive liquid is injected into a vein, usually in your arm. A scan is then taken of the whole body. Abnormal bone absorbs more of the radioactive substance than normal bone and shows up on the scan as highlighted areas (known as hot spots).

After the injection you will have to wait for up to three hours before the scan can be taken, so it is a good idea to take a book or magazine with you.

The level of radioactivity that is used is very small and does not cause any harm. This scan can also detect other conditions affecting the bones, such as arthritis. So further tests, such as an x-ray of the abnormal area, may be necessary.

X-rays Back to top

A chest x-ray and x-rays of the bones are sometimes taken to check your general health and see if there has been any spread of the cancer to other parts of the body.

MRI scan Back to top

An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan uses magnetism to build up cross-sectional pictures of your body. An MRI scan may show whether the cancer has spread into the tissues around the prostate gland or into the lymph nodes near the prostate|.

During the test you will be asked to lie very still on a couch inside a metal cylinder. It can be slightly uncomfortable and some people feel a bit claustrophobic during the scan. It is also very noisy. You will be given earplugs or headphones to wear.

It is not possible for you to have an MRI scan if you have any metal in your body, such as a pacemaker, hip replacement, or certain types of surgical clips.

The scan is painless and can take about 30 minutes. You will probably be able to go home as soon as it is over.

CT scan Back to top

A CT (computerised tomography) scan may be used as an alternative to an MRI scan. The scan takes a series of x-rays of an area of the body. These are fed into a computer which creates detailed pictures of the inside of the body.

The CT scan takes 10-30 minutes. You may be given a drink or injection of a dye, which allows particular areas to be seen more clearly.

You will probably be able to go home shortly after the scan is over.

Waiting for your test results Back to top

It can take from several days to a couple of weeks for the results of the tests to be ready. The results of the tests will show the grade and the stage| of the prostate cancer. This information will be used by the doctors to decide on the most appropriate treatment.

Waiting for the results can be a difficult time and you may need support from your family or a support organisation.