PROSTATE MRI

Aside from skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. But with early diagnosis and treatment, it’s also one of the most curable. Nearly 99% of patients diagnosed with the disease survived after five years, and 93% of patients survived after 10 years. MRI is a tool that can contribute significantly to these promising survival rates. An ultrasound and biopsy are typically among the first steps after an abnormal PSA test and physical exam. The exam may be performed to determine the volume of the prostate, to investigate elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, or to guide a needle biopsy of the prostate. However, if results of these tests are negative and PSA levels are still high, the patient will often be monitored and asked to return six months later for a second biopsy. An MRI scan can help close that crucial gap in time. A primary advantage of MRI over ultrasound is that it offers full visualization of the pelvis. Doctors can often determine if the cancer is contained within the prostate, or if it has spread to nearby organs, bones, or lymph nodes. Additionally, specialized computer software measures and analyzes enhancement patterns within the prostate. Color-coded images combined with kinetic data can help physicians more confidently identify tumors.

3T MRI PROSTATE SCREENING

The 3 Tesla (3T) MRI offers a non-invasive method designed to find small cancer cells in hard to reach places like your prostate. Using the 3T MRI nearly doubles the number of aggressive tumors that are caught. 3T MRI is so good at pinpointing the exact location of cancerous cells, your urologist will most likely have all the information he or she needs without requiring multiple biopsies.