Visualize hidden tumor cells
In cases of prostate carcinoma, depending on the specific risk profile, imaging techniques may be used to check for the spread of cancer to lymph nodes, bones and other organs. The risk profile of prostate cancer is determined as part of the initial diagnosis (primary staging) by means of palpation, PSA level measurements and tumour differentiation following a biopsy (Gleason score or ISUP classification).
- Low risk: PSA <10 ng/ml, a Gleason score of 6 (ISUP 1) and a tumour in category cT1c or cT2a
- Intermediate risk: PSA >10 to 20 ng/ml, Gleason score of 7 (ISUP 2 and 3) and a tumour in category cT2b
- High risk: PSA >20 ng/ml, Gleason score of 8 to 10 (ISUP 4 and 5) and a tumour in category >cT2c
S3 Guidelines on Prostate Carcinoma, Version 6.2 – October 2021
Diagnostic imaging procedures are not recommended for low-risk prostate cancer due to the low probability of cancer spread. Imaging procedures should be performed on patients with a high risk profile, where the cancer is more likely to have spread. As for patients in the intermediate risk category, the benefits of diagnostic procedures to determine spread remain unclear.