A SUPERIOR TOOL FOR THE DETECTION AND ASSESSMENT OF PROSTATE CANCER.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignancies for men. Early detection with Prostate MRI at our Lakeland, Flordia locations can lead to a complete cure.
It is not uncommon for patients at an elevated risk for prostate cancer to experience repeated, negative biopsies. However, there are many instances where the patient actually does have life-threatening prostate cancer—the biopsy is simply missing it. In other cases, men with slow-growing and/or relatively harmless cancers are over-treated, which can cause debilitating side-effects with no improvement in survival. A new tool has emerged to provide better detection and assessment of suspected prostate cancer. Known as prostate MRI, this test can help you and your doctor better understand your risk, and help contribute to more targeted and effective treatment of the disease.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the prostate uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to produce detailed pictures of the structures within a man’s prostate gland. It is primarily used to evaluate the extent of prostate cancer and determine whether it has spread. It also may be used to help diagnose infection, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or congenital abnormalities. Prostate MRI does not use ionizing radiation, and it provides images that are clearer and more detailed than other imaging methods.
The test is safe, accurate and painless, and has been shown to identify cancer in more than 50% of men whose initial biopsy was negative.
IS PROSTATE MRI RIGHT FOR ME?
Prostate MRI is recommended if you have:
• Elevated PSA levels with a negative biopsy.
• Low-grade cancer that is on active surveillance. This test can exclude the possibility of underlying higher-grade cancer.
• Been treated for prostate cancer with surgery or radiation in the past but may have suspicious reoccurrence.
If you are at risk for prostate cancer, prostate MRI may provide the “missing piece” of information needed to catch aggressive cancers early and avoid unnecessary treatment of cancers that pose little to no health risk.
Tell your doctor about any health problems, recent surgeries or allergies. The magnetic field is not harmful, but it may cause some medical devices to malfunction. Most orthopedic implants pose no risk, but you should always tell the technologist if you have any devices or metal in your body. Guidelines about eating and drinking before your exam will be provided by our staff. Unless you are told otherwise, take your regular medications as usual. Leave jewelry at home and wear loose, comfortable clothing. You may be asked to wear a gown. If you have claustrophobia or anxiety, you may want to ask for a mild sedative prior to the exam.
SCHEDULE YOUR PROSTATE MRI TODAY:
To learn more about our Prostate MRI services, please call (863) 688-2334. Radiology and Imaging Specialists at Lakeland Regional Health proudly serves Lakeland and the surrounding areas in Central Florida and Polk County.
