4th Oct 2024

Why Early MRI Scan Can Dismiss the Need For Biopsy

Prostate cancer is the most frequent cancer among males. Approximately one in every eight persons classified as male at birth will be diagnosed with prostate cancer over their lives. Most people who are diagnosed will not die from it, and many prostate cancer patients can safely choose active surveillance rather than early treatment.

Early diagnosis is critical since it identifies both slow-growing and aggressive tumors. A recent study shows that adding magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to early diagnosis and monitoring guidelines for prostate cancer might minimize, prevent, or redirect the need for a prostate biopsy. According to research, some types of MR imaging used prior to a biopsy can assist in evaluating if the unpleasant treatment is essential.

How Is Prostate Cancer Diagnosed Today?

The prostate gland is situated between the bladder and the rectum. It is around the size of a walnut and secretes a fluid that preserves sperm. In general, medical professionals urge males and those designated male at birth (AMAB) to consult with their doctor by the age of 45 about the advantages and dangers of prostate cancer screening. People at high risk, such as African Americans or those with a family history of prostate cancer, are recommended to begin these essential talks early, by the age of 40, whether they have observable symptoms.

If your doctor or health care provider suspects prostate cancer, the initial screening tests often include:

• A digital rectal exam (DRE) is a procedure in which a clinician inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to inspect the prostate for abnormalities in texture, shape, or size;
• The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test involves drawing blood and analyzing it in a laboratory for PSA, a material generated naturally by the prostate. If a PSA level is more significant than normal, it might suggest an infection, inflammation, enlargement, or malignancy.

If DRE and PSA testing reveals an anomaly, your doctor may conduct the following further tests to evaluate if you have prostate cancer:

Ultrasound is a technique that involves inserting a tiny probe into the rectum and generating sound waves to create an image of the prostate gland. MRI scans give a more comprehensive view of your prostate gland than ultrasounds, allowing your doctor to develop a personalized treatment plan that may involve a prostate biopsy.

A biopsy is regarded as the most definitive method of confirming a cancer diagnosis in most cases. A prostate cancer biopsy includes inserting a thin needle into the prostate gland and removing a small sample of tissue to be examined under a microscope for malignant cells. 

However, medical practitioners are increasingly employing magnetic resonance imaging to provide more precise recommendations for performing a prostate biopsy, which can be painful and occasionally cause side effects.

MR imaging can be helpful in some noncancer cases, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatitis, which can resemble cancer in clinical presentation and laboratory results. These individuals may have already received a random biopsy, which carries the risk of bleeding and infection.

MRI screening can also help detect and diagnose abnormal prostate lesions, which may be clinically significant prostate cancer. Once lesions have been identified, magnetic resonance imaging is combined with ultrasound and utilized to guide biopsies into the regions of concern. This considerably minimizes the likelihood of a nontarget biopsy owing to undersampling.

MRI Takes Longer Than a Biopsy But Is Painless

Prostate biopsies take roughly 20 minutes and can be done in a doctor's office. However, recovery usually takes a few days, and you may need to take antibiotics for up to three days after that to avoid infection.

Prostate MRI screenings typically take 45 minutes, are painless, and require no recovery time.

A form of MRI scan known as multiparametric MRI (mp-MRI) can offer a more comprehensive view of the prostate gland than a regular MRI and has demonstrated encouraging results in the diagnosis and staging of clinically relevant prostate cancer.