Prostate MRI at Radiology Associates of Venice and Englewood Florida
What is a Prostate MRI?
MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is a noninvasive test that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to generate detailed images of the body. A Prostate MRI provides detailed images of the prostate and surrounding tissues. For this reason, it is often used to diagnose, evaluate and monitor prostate cancer and its treatment.
Why is my physician recommending an MRI of my Prostate?
Your physician may recommend a Prostate MRI if you have elevated PSA levels in order to determine if you have prostate cancer. If you have already been diagnosed with prostate cancer, an MRI may be used to localize the tumor and determine if it has spread outside of the prostate gland. It may also be used to evaluate other prostate conditions such as an enlarged prostate, infection of the prostate, complications after pelvic surgery or other abnormalities. In some cases, a Prostate MRI is used to help plan prostate cancer treatment or monitor the prostate to determine if cancer has returned.
How does an MRI of the prostate work?
Unlike conventional X-ray examinations and Computed Tomography (CT) scans, a Prostate MRI does not utilize ionizing radiation. Instead, it uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create images of the prostate and surrounding soft tissues. These images can be used to diagnose any number of diseases or injuries of the prostate, including prostate cancer, infection, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or other abnormalities.
What should I expect?
You may or may not be given a contrast agent intravenously. During the procedure, you will lie flat on an exam table and in order to achieve better images of the prostate gland and surrounding area we will place a light weight coil over your pelvic area to focus the imaging. For your additional comfort we do not use endorectal coils then the table will slide into the scanner where the surrounding magnetic fields and radio waves will capture images of the prostate. It is important that you remain still during this time. Also, the MRI machine does generate loud noise as images are captured. All patients are given ear plugs to wear while in the MRI machine. The Technologists will be in the adjacent room operating the scanner, but will be able to hear and communicate with you throughout the exam. The exam can take anywhere from 45 - 60 minutes.
Is the Exam Painful?
MRI exams are painless on our 3T Wide Bore MRI and our 1.5 T MRI the extra room and lighting gives you a feeling of calm and openness. However, If you suffer from claustrophobia, talk to your physician to see if medication may be prescribed.