How accurate is a bone scan for prostate cancer?

A bone scan is generally effective for detecting bone metastases in prostate cancer, with sensitivity rates ranging from 80% to 90%. However, it is less specific, as it can also show false positives due to other bone conditions. For more accurate diagnosis, especially in early-stage disease or in the absence of symptoms, additional imaging techniques like MRI or CT scans may be recommended. Therefore, while bone scans are useful, they should be interpreted alongside other clinical findings and tests.