Treatment for Prostate Cancer: Bone Scans

Cancer of the prostate, which is a gland located in men between the rectum and the bladder, is one of the more common forms of cancer. Statistics show that one in six men will get a diagnosis of prostate cancer sometime in their life. When the cancer is not found at an early stage, one of the first areas it spreads to are the bones.

Radionuclide Bone Scan

• One of the main tests to detect bone cancer is the radionuclide bone scan. During this test a small amount of radioactive material is introduced into the body. The radioactive material is not harmful since it is such a small volume relative to the entire body.

Gamma Rays

• The radioactive substance collects in areas of the bone where there is damage, and gives off gamma rays, which are detected by a special camera. These "hot spots" can indicate cancer, but further tests are usually needed to confirm the diagnoses.

How is the Radioactivity Given?

• The radioactive substance is usually injected intravenously. Drinking or breathing the substance are other alternative methods of delivery into the body.

Risks

• Although the radionuclide bone scan is a common and safe test, there are some risks. The patient may be allergic to the radioactive material used, or a dosage too high may be used due to an error by the medical professional conducting the test. Pregnant women should inform their doctor prior to undergoing this test, as the procedure may be harmful to the unborn baby.

Treatment

• The treatment for bone cancer varies based on the bone location and stage. Surgery can be performed to remove part of the bone if it is in the limbs. For areas of the body that can't be removed, a combination of radiation and chemotherapy can be used to destroy or restrict the growth of the bone cancer. Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill the cancer cells, while radiation therapy involves the use of radiation to target the cancer cells.