Prostate MRI & Biopsy
Prostate cancer is not a pleasant topic to think about, but it’s a reality that men cannot afford to ignore—because nearly 13 percent of men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in life. But with early detection and early treatment, the survival rate is nearly 100%. That’s why regular PSA (prostate specific antigen) screenings and rectal exams are so important. When there are suspicious findings, Princeton Radiology is ready with non-invasive options for accurate diagnosis—and the option of a much more comfortable minimally invasive biopsy, if needed.
Accurate Prostate MRI Diagnosis
Princeton Radiology offers the right tool and the right team to get the answers you and your doctor need. Our unique prostate MRI is performed on state-of-the-art equipment and combines two advanced technologies: high resolution detailed pictures produced by the prostate MRI and sophisticated computerized modeling of blood flow to your prostate gland. The result: a three-dimensional color map of the prostate gland that displays any potential tumor sites.
Typically, a patient may be referred for further evaluation if a doctor has felt an abnormal prostate gland during a physical exam or if a blood test shows an elevated PSA level (4 or more). Princeton Radiology’s prostate MRI procedure, performed on state-of-the-art equipment, combines the diagnostic precision of high-resolution imaging with computerized modeling of blood flow to the prostate gland, resulting in a 3D color map of the prostate that reveals any possible tumor sites.
Compared to the numerous random needle sticks of traditional prostate biopsy, a non-invasive prostate MRI can quickly provide precise diagnostic answers and clarify the next steps that may be needed. Even if a patient has already had a prostate biopsy, a prostate MRI at Princeton Radiology can add another level of precision to diagnosis—as well as staging and treatment planning if cancer is confirmed. For patients yet to have a biopsy, the need for one can be assessed at the time of the MRI scan. When necessary, an interventional radiologist can perform a much faster, more comfortable, and less invasive MRI-guided prostate biopsy during the same visit.
If a patient’s diagnosed prostate cancer is being monitored under a “watchful waiting” approach, prostate MRI provides a precise yet easily tolerated option for periodic monitoring for signs of disease progression.
Typically, no special preparation is needed for a prostate MRI. Patients can eat, drink, and take their usual medications. It is important for the patient to inform Princeton Radiology about any implanted metal in the body, such as a pacemaker or artificial joints, as this may affect the ability to have an MRI. Due to the contrast material used in these scans, patients may need lab testing prior to the exam, depending on factors such as age and medical history.
- Some patients may need blood tests to ensure sufficient liver and kidney health to manage injected contrast material.
- If there is any possibility of pregnancy, or if a patient is currently breastfeeding, it is very important to inform Princeton Radiology about this.
In a prostate MRI scan, the patient lies flat on a table that slides into the scanner’s bore. The exam usually takes about 30–45 minutes. Knocking or buzzing sounds may be noticeable during the exam. It is important to remain as still as possible during the scan. If the MRI reveals a suspicious area(s), we may recommend an immediate MRI-guided prostate biopsy—a much more comfortable and less stressful procedure compared to traditional prostate biopsies. Due to the time it takes to prepare the patient for and perform an MRI-guided prostate biopsy, this procedure may lengthen the visit time by about 30–60 minutes.
You can help to produce high quality images by lying still during the examination while breathing normally. The average scan takes 5 to 15 minutes – the complete examination is about 30 to 45 minutes.
This exam is available at the following locations:
Benefits of Prostate MRI
Prostate MRI can detect abnormalities at an early stage, improving treatment outcomes and survival rates.
MRI helps accurately stage prostate cancer, guiding treatment decisions and strategies.
Detailed MRI images assist in planning targeted therapies, minimizing side effects and improving efficacy.
Prostate MRI enables ongoing monitoring of disease progression and treatment response, ensuring timely adjustments when needed.
More targeted biopsy, staging and treatment planning
If the images show areas of suspicion, we work with your doctor to formulate the best next step. If necessary, our team of board-certified interventional radiologists can perform a targeted biopsy using the MRI images as a guide. Because of the precise targeting, fewer biopsy samples are needed for accurate diagnosis. That means less risk of infection, bleeding or pain, and a shorter recovery time. This is an outpatient procedure that typically requires no sedation, and is fast, relatively painless and minimally invasive.
If you have already had a prostate biopsy and a confirmed diagnosis, Princeton Radiology’s prostate MRI can be used for more accurate staging, treatment planning and after-treatment monitoring.
Over 60 years of excellence in imaging.
And that’s just one reason why Princeton Radiology is the right choice.
Interpretations by board certified, sub-specialty trained radiologists.
Fast scheduling, less time in the waiting room, and same-day or next-day results in most cases.
We cater to patient schedules with daytime, evening and weekend hours for many exams.
From our friendly and caring staff to our beautiful imaging facilities, everything we do is patient-focused.