Description
You are scheduled for a nuclear scan which involves the injection of a special material that contains minute amounts of radioactivity. This material attaches itself to prostate cancer cells wherever those cells might be located in the body. The amount of radioactivity is less than for a chest X-ray, so don't worry. The radiologist in charge will take pictures (not X-rays) of the entire body, looking for evidence of prostate cancer. After giving you the injection, a scan is taken immediately. The final scan is done three to four days later, after allowing time for the cancer (if present) to absorb the radioactive dye. Expect to leave the nuclear medicine department after the injection and scan, and then return three to four days later for the final scan. Rarely, an additional scan the following day is needed.
Possible risks
Only minute amounts of radiation are used so the radiation risks are essentially non-existent. Because a dye is injected, the possibility of an allergic reaction is present. A physician will be in attendance and will administer the proper therapy, if needed.
Preparation
No restrictions of diet, fluids or medications exist for this examination.
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