Prostate cancer MRI

Prostate cancer Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Prostate Cancer from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Staging
Laboratory Findings
X Ray
CT
MRI
Ultrasound
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Biopsy
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Alternative Therapy
Case Studies
Case #1
Prostate cancer MRI On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Prostate cancer MRI All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Prostate cancer MRI
CDC on Prostate cancer MRI
Prostate cancer MRI in the news
Blogs on Prostate cancer MRI
Directions to Hospitals Treating Prostate cancer
Risk calculators and risk factors for Prostate cancer MRI

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Syed Musadiq Ali M.B.B.S.[2]

Overview

MRI-guided prostate biopsy is also being used, particularly in those cases where TRUS biopsy is negative but clinical and PSA suspicion remains high. Following radical prostatectomy, patients with elevated PSA should also be examined using MRI. MRI may be helpful in the diagnosis of prostate cancer. On MRI scan, prostate cancer is characterized by a low signal within a normally high signal peripheral zone on T2-weighted images.

MRI

Pelvic MRI may be helpful in the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Findings on MRI suggestive of prostate cancer include: Findings on MRI scan suggestive of prostate cancer listed below:

• T2

• Using a endorectal coil, on T2-weighted images prostate cancer usually appears as a region of low signal within a normally high signal peripheral zone
• Most significant cancers occur along the posterior portion of the gland abutting the rectum

• DWI

• Often shows restricted diffusion

• Dynamic contrast enhancement (DCE)

• Shows enhancement - but it can be difficult to distinguish from prostatitis or benign prostatic hyperplasia (especially in the central zone lesions)
• More specific than T2 signal

MRI scan showing prostate cancer source:Case courtesy of Dr Paresh K Desai , Radiopaedia.org, rID: 6650

MRI scan showing prostate cancer source:Case courtesy of Dr Chris O'Donnell, Radiopaedia.org, rID: 19238