Why is this procedure done?
A ProstaScint scan is an imaging test for the prostate. The prostate is a part of the male body that helps make semen. The prostate is at the base of the penis and in front of the rectum. This test is used to: ‚
- Find prostate cancer cells
- Help doctors see if cancer has spread into the lymph nodes
- See if cancer cells have come back
This test is in two parts. The test uses a machine called a gamma camera. The camera finds the smallest hot spot that might be cancer cells inside the body. ‚
What will the results be?
The scan will give your doctor a clear image of the inside of your prostate and your body. The scan will help your doctor make a diagnosis. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some examples are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about all of your drugs.
- If you have ever had a reaction to a dye that was used in an x-ray of your body.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- Lab tests
- Ultrasound
- Bone scan
- If you have had other imaging tests like x-ray, ultrasound, and MRI, bring the results with you.
- Your doctor may order a procedure to empty your stomach and bowel before the second part of the procedure.
- You may not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- The first part of the test will take only a few minutes. You will be awake the whole time. Your doctor will inject a radioactive substance into a blood vessel of your arm. You may have a small amount of pain. The needle will be taken out and a bandage will be put on your skin. You will be allowed to go home.
- You will go back in 4 days. The doctor will tell you how to empty your stomach and bowels before the second part of the procedure.
- You will empty your bladder before the exam.
- You will lie on a table next to the gamma camera. Your doctor may give you another injection of the radioactive substance before you lie down. The tiny amount of radioactivity in the injection is too small to cause any harm to you. You should not have any side effects. Your doctor will do 3 scans: a whole body scan, a scan of your pelvis with a special scanner, and an MRI scan of your pelvis.
- You may go to the Recovery Room after the procedure.
- The procedure may take 2 to 3 hours.
What happens after the procedure?
- You may go home once you are stable.
- You may go back to your normal routine after the test.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what you need to do.
- Keep the puncture site clean and dry for 24 hours to prevent infection.
- Drink lots of fluids to help flush the radioactive substance out of your body.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep your visits.
- Your doctor will tell you if other tests are needed.
- Ask your doctor when you can get the results.
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Kidney problems
- Blood pressure problems
- Bad reaction to the radioactive material
Where can I learn more?
American Cancer Society ‚
http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/UnderstandingYourDiagnosis/ExamsandTestDescriptions/ImagingRadiologyTests/imaging-radiology-tests-nuc-scan ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚