Prostate cancer MRI

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

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