Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. On the positive side, advances in early detection and treatment are helping to reduce the disease burden and death of prostate cancer.
Hannibal Regional Radiology now offers PSMA (prostate-specific membrane antigen) PET scans as part of their state-of-the-art imaging services. This new imaging technique locates metastatic cancer lesions in prostate cancer patients for earlier detection.
Dr. Viacheslav Iremashvili, Urologist with Hannibal Regional Medical Group states, “PSMA PET scan is used in patients with high-risk prostate cancer to make sure that their disease has not spread outside of the prostate. This difference is critical as managing patients with metastatic prostate cancer differs significantly from those with localized disease. As prostate cancer tends to spread into lymph nodes and bones, previously, these areas were evaluated with two different imaging tests. PSMA PET replaces them and is more accurate in finding prostate cancer in various locations, thus helping physicians to provide better care to their patients”.
The scan uses a radioactive tracer drug injected into the body and attaches to proteins known as prostate-specific membrane antigens. The scan will then pick up where the tracer is located, pinpointing the location of prostate cancer cells. “PSMA PET scan is used in patients recently found to have potentially aggressive prostate cancer and those in whom there is a concern that the disease could come back after treatment,” shares Dr. Viacheslav Iremashvili.
Dr. Viacheslav Iremashvili, Urologist with Hannibal Regional Medical Group, is accepting new patients. He offers a wide range of urological treatment options, from established standards of care, to new minimally-invasive procedures performed laparoscopically and robotically.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Iremashvili, call 573-629-3500.