MRI Prostate: Overview
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the prostate using magnetic fields to produce detailed images of the prostate gland. These images can be used to visualize the anatomy of the prostate gland and to evaluate for potential malignancy.
How Long is the Exam?
The exam takes approximately 45 minutes and does not use ionizing radiation. The magnetic field is not harmful, but can impact implanted devices within the body.
Why Choose a Prostate MRI?
Prostate MRI can be utilized in a variety of clinical settings:
- Elevated PSA or Negative Prior Biopsy: Patients with an elevated PSA but negative prior biopsy may benefit from a Prostate MRI. MRI can help in localizing potential prostate cancer and assisting with targeted biopsy. Targeted biopsy can be performed under ultrasound guidance or it can be performed by fusing the MRI images with ultrasound for more precise localization.
- Prostate Cancer: An MRI of the prostate can benefit those patients who have recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer. An MRI Prostate exam can help stage the cancer and evaluate for potential spread of the disease. MRI can help localize cancers that may be more clinically significant. MRI can also be utilized to assess for high grade tumors and ultimately influence the treatment strategy.
- Active Surveillance: For patients with a low risk of prostate cancer, active surveillance may be a beneficial strategy given the potential indolent nature of the disease.
- Treatment Follow Up: MRI may be beneficial for patients who have received treatment for prostate cancer. MRI can help assess for residual or recurrent disease in patients who have undergone surgical or radiation therapy.
MR Prostate Locations
Imaging Centers & Clinics
- Open MRI & Imaging of Asheville
- Coastal Diagnostic Imaging
- Community Care Clinic
- Novant Health Breast Center-Winston Salem
- Novant Health Breast Center-Greensboro
- Novant Health Imaging - Kernersville
- Novant Health Imaging - Maplewood
- Novant Health Imaging-Piedmont
- Novant Health Imaging Triad
- Triad Interventional Radiology Clinic
Prostate MRI
Prostate MRI is an evolving and ever-improving modality for the evaluation and assessment of prostate cancer. Classic methods of diagnosing prostate cancer included digital rectal exam, transrectal ultrasound with biopsy and prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels. With prostate MRI, we can more confidently localize, stage and risk stratify patients to aide in more targeted and personalized treatment plans.
Triad Radiology offers Prostate MRI at a variety of locations. Contact us if you want to learn more or schedule an appointment.
