PSMA PET scan

[Blueribbon63]

Hello everyone, pardon the simplicity of my question. Is PSMA the same as PET Scan? I ask this because I specifically asked my MO to have a PSMA pet scam but no where in the order or appointment a mention of PSMA pet scan it only says pet scan.

I am concerned because MO doesn't seem to be very involved and our conversations are always very casual. My PSA has been doubling in the last three tests. Last July it was at 3.80 up from 1.40

The prior pet scan a year ago showed mets from head to toe. Thanks in advance for the input anyone can provide on this subject.

[fireandice123]

It’s my understanding that a PSMA scan is a type of PET scan. There are other types of PET scans.

[cesanon in reply to fireandice123]

Yes. A type of pet scan.

Also, if you are doing a psma pet scan, you should always do a concurrent scan for non-psma prostate cancer.

I forget the name of the accompanying scan. Tall Allen knows what it is.

[Derf4223]

The PSMA-detecting scan is called PSMA PET/CT a combined machine with both PET and CT stages. Patients are first injected with a slightly radioactive PSMA-seeking drug. Not sure if this answers your question.

[6357axbz]

Per what derf said the PSMA Pet scan positively identified prostate cancer related tumors. The non-PSMA Pet scan does not. If your doc is not ordering the PSMA version fire him

[Tall_Allen]

PSMA is one kind of PET scan.

[Blueribbon63 in reply to Tall_Allen]

Thank you. Does it have to be spelled out on the prescription? I am afraid MO is not ordering a PSMA.

[6357axbz in reply to Blueribbon63]

You can always call the scan facility and ask them

[Tall_Allen in reply to Blueribbon63]

Yes, They have to know what to inject you with - presumably, the same radioindicator as last time.

[Blueribbon63 in reply to Tall_Allen]

Now that I think about it, the pet scan I had done last year never showed PSMA. There's a history of these type of errors. Not long ago I asked MO to order a body DEXA scan and what they did is a partial head scan. When I told MO he ordered a Bone scan, ' because insurance only covers Full DEXA scans once every two years. I am thinking is time to look for another MO.

[Tall_Allen in reply to Blueribbon63]

You should get whatever you got last time.

[carbide in reply to Blueribbon63]

I had a bad MO. Get another. ASAP.

[GP24]

The common PET/CT is an FDG PET/CT. A PSMA PET/CT is much better for prostate cancer. Make sure you get a PSMA PET/CT.

[GP24]

The image shows the different PET/CTs done at the LMU clinic in Munich.

Types of PET/CTs

[6357axbz in reply to GP24]

What is this telling us te the ability of the ability of the different scans to detect PCa?

[GP24 in reply to 6357axbz]

No, it just shows how often different types of PET/CTs are ordered for all cancer types. I posted it to show that the FDG PET/CT is the most common and provide an overview what types of PET/CT there are.

[fish7days]

I would suggest calling the facility and ask if they will be injecting a tracer, which tracer and the purpose of the tracer. They can tell you for sure if it is a PSMA PET or not, or both.

[Blueribbon63]

I am grateful for the input received. I messaged MO and he assured me that I am getting a PSMA pet scan. Even though later in I asked him to just to the same pet scan I got a year ago. I am on my way to the hospital for the scan, I will inquire about exactly what kind of pet scan I am getting.

[Big_Mcc]

The PSMA-detecting scan is called PSMA PET/CT scan, a combined machine with both PET and CT stages. Patients are first injected with a slightly radioactive PSMA-seeking drug. This is NOT just a PET scan and you need a PSMA PET/CT Scan. Plenty of info on this now on here and generally as its widely available albeit damn expensive.

[DesertDaisy]

When my husband had one, it was specifically showing as PSMA Pet/CT on the order. May want to double check with the doctor on what he ordered.

[treedown]

My PSMA Pet scan was also called Pylarify scan. I believe its the name of the agent they used.

[MoonRocket in reply to treedown]

What model of bike is that in your profile picture? It looks old.

[treedown in reply to MoonRocket]

If your asking about the white Trek Mtn bike with the basket it is late 90's I believe. Do you ride?

[MoonRocket in reply to treedown]

I do ride. I have a gravel bike.

[j-o-h-n]

For my first PET scan I brought in a rubber (bathtub) "pet" fish to bring the house down with laughter, the staff only snarled at me.....No more stupid shit like that for and from me....

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Friday 11/03/2023 7:17 PM DST Billy's gone.