Prostate Scans

A PSMA PET/CT scan is an advanced imaging test that helps doctors locate and understand prostate cancer more clearly than standard scans. PSMA is a protein that appears on the surface of most prostate cancer cells, and during the scan, a small amount of tracer is used to attach to that protein. The PET/CT then shows exactly where the tracer collects, helping identify active cancer cells throughout the body. This type of scan is FDA-approved and widely covered by insurance, including Medicare. It’s different from a PSA blood test, which measures protein levels in the bloodstream. A PSA test can indicate that something might be wrong, while a PSMA PET/CT shows where prostate cancer actually is. Doctors often order this scan for men who have been treated in the past but now have a rising PSA, or for staging, treatment planning, or monitoring. Research has shown that PSMA PET/CT can detect cancer more accurately than CT or MRI alone, often leading to more effective treatment decisions.