MRI of the Prostate

mriMRI of the Prostate

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the prostate is a relatively new and exciting technology used to aid in the diagnosis of prostate cancer.  Our practitioners at Prostate Screen Australia utilise this technology in appropriate clinical situations.

MRI is a type of scan that provides detailed images of soft tissue such as your prostate. MRI produces different information when compared to other examinations such as ultrasounds; CT scans or x-rays and in particular provides information concerning soft tissue. The MRI machine uses a strong magnetic field and radiowaves to examine your prostate and does not use x-rays and is safe and painless.

MRI is a technique that enables doctors to visualise internal structures of the body in detail. It is well established that MRI is an effective technique to localise prostate cancer and may offer men an alternative to current methods. MRI of the prostate may aid in many aspects of prostate cancer management, from initial detection to treatment planning and follow-up.

The Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand (USANZ) has recently released recommendations surrounding the use of MRI, being:

  1. MRI should be performed by experienced radiologists appropriately trained in the use of multi-parametric MRI to aid urologists in the management of individual patients
  2. MRI should be used selectively in the management of patients with prostate cancer and interpreted appropriately by experienced urologists
  3. MRI should not be considered a definitive study on its own but rather one part of a comprehensive assessment to assess the presence, location, aggressiveness and extent of prostate cancer and then added to other factors such as history, examination and other tests in the management of patients with prostate cancer. This is best done under the supervision of a urologist.

MRI techniques have improved in recent years and MRI utility in aiding diagnosis, tumour localisation and staging, assessment of aggressiveness, treatment planning and follow up in patients with prostate cancer is well established.

If you would like to know more about MRI and its use in Prostate imaging please contact our specialised GP’s at Prostate Screen Australia.