MRI scan, advice, unsure what stage - Scans (CT / MRI / Bone scan),family

I understand a standard MRI scan may not pick up PCa, in many situations unless the prostate capsule is extended. However, when the MRI scan is done together with an MRI Spectroscopy, the latter does allow chemical signatures of cancer cells to be identified. An MRI scan plus MRI Spectroscopy is far superior to an ordinary MRI scan and may obviate the need for needle biopsies in future, I gather?
I don't know if this is the same as multi-parametric MRI.

My diagnosis of PCa has been produced purely on the histology of a sample taken during a TURP procedure together with a combined MRI scan plus MRI Spectroscopy (overall that took an hour). I have not had a needle biopsy and am being treated now with 7 months HT then RT.

The MRI scanner is essentially a very powerful magnate that generates a series of very strange and varying noises during a scan. In order to reduce the sound volume the patient is fitted with ear mufflers through which the patient's own music (from CD) or provided music can be played, though some of the noise still seems to get through in my experience (I have lost count of how many MRI scans I have had but it must be 9 or 10 with another booked for next month). There is no pain but you can feel some slight vibration, particularly if the more powerful 3 Tesla machine is used rather than the more usual 1.5 one. Sometimes, what can be called 'Contrast' is injected into the patient at some point during the scan but this is not very painful. There are also other refinements that are sometimes used in certain situations. The table on which you lay moves you into the scanner and air is circulated round your head as you move forwards and backwards. I just close my eyes and relax. This works for me and I have no feeling of claustrophobia - worth a try.

MGW92
As mentioned rising PSA can mean many things....the concern is continuing rising or doubling. He should alas see and ask for his PSA Free Total as if lower than 15% i.e. 0.15 then this can also indicate. PSA rising can also be inflammation. The problem with TRUS biopsy is that it is hit and miss as many people can have them many times without finding PCa but then they find it by trial and error. So, the MRI, which I have had 2, can define whether there is PCa for sure or whether he may have inflammation which also can mask PCa as the die contrast so exist. They will treat inflammation first then MRI. IF still there then they can do what is called a MRI Targeted Template Biopsy which is general anaesthetic in which the biopsy targets the area from MRI. Its a better method and more precise.
Sorry its a complex science. Most men have PCa but also most men die without even knowing nor they get full PCa, the problem is this knowing whether its aggressive or not, as the cure rate is good, then bad is knowing you have a little or very small, as then what? whether you sit and wait or have one of many treatments. Better technology can mean bette future. I had inflammation and 2 MRIs but no biopsy, so now having medicine to reduce inflammation then another MRI before any biopsy, but my PSA is NOT rising and stable thus more investigation. As Lyn says some people with very low PSA e 1.0 or 2.0 can have PCa but then others with above 10 can not....this is the main confusion. Most sites like this or www.yananow.com are all people with PCa or just diagnosed but only a few worried or in the grey zone..ie not yet diagnosed, so this will also make worry. Happy for him to PM me or chat. There is also a member called Rogcal he is like your dad with 2 biopsy and no PCa, you can PM him also or read his profile, but both of us we can be contacted and called for chat as Rogcal was helpful for me also. Dean

MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, a test which uses a magnetic field and radio wave energy pulses to create images of internal body structure. This test provides more detailed view than an X-ray, ultrasound, or computed tomography (CT) scan. For the test, your body is placed inside a special medical device machine which has strong magnet. MRI scan images remain digital which are stored on a computer for detail study. It is done for many reasons like to find tumors, bleeding, diseases or infection and more. In prostate cancer patients, it has been used to do prostate examination and nearby lymph nodes for identifying difference between benign (noncancerous) and malignant (cancerous) areas. It is a safe test and there is no risk involved if safety guidelines are followed.

Edited by moderator 11 Apr 2015 at 21:31  | Reason: Not specified

Reporting leads to a file 404 error message.

Suffice to say the link is to something that does not appear to be relevant.

dave