Why do mri scan for prostate cancer

Because an MRI uses magnetic waves to image the inside of your body, a prostate MRI is totally painless and non-invasive. Not only is a prostate MRI as accurate as a biopsy at detecting prostate cancers, but it can also tell how advanced the cancer is and if it has spread to other parts of the body. And it is better than prostate biopsies at differentiating between clinically significant and insignificant cancers.

At UVA, we do not use an endorectal coil a thin wire covered with a latex balloon which is inserted a short distance into the rectum when performing a prostate MRI, so the procedure is much like a normal MRI.

This makes the procedure much simpler and more comfortable. Click here to learn more about preparing for an MRI of your prostate.

PSA is an enzyme found in the prostate, and a high level of PSA can be a flag for prostate cancer or other prostate … […]. And talk to your care provider about having your prostate … […]. Men's Health Prostate Prostate Conditions. Considering Prostate Cancer Screening Options? How Interventional Radiologists Can Help. Related Posts.

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This information will be used to plan CCNSW services and to campaign for broader health system changes to improve the quality of life of people affected by cancer. If you have had a reaction to dyes during a previous scan, tell your medical team beforehand. You should also let them know if you have diabetes or kidney disease. Medicare provides a rebate for MRI scans, but there may be a gap fee. The GP will assess your risk of having prostate cancer based on a number of factors, including your PSA levels and the results of your prostate examination, as well as your age, family history and ethnic group.

If you're at risk, you should be referred to hospital to discuss the options of further tests. If the scan shows a problem, it can be targeted later with a biopsy. There are a few types of biopsy that may be used in hospital, including the following. This is where a needle is inserted into the prostate through the skin behind the scrotum.

It's usually done under a general anaesthetic while you're asleep. It has the advantage of a reduced risk of infection. During this biopsy, an ultrasound probe a machine that uses sound waves to build a picture of the inside of your body is inserted into your rectum. This allows the doctor or specialist nurse to see where to pass the needle to take small samples of tissue from your prostate.