PROSTATE MULTIPARAMETRIC MRI

At Palms Imaging Center, we use multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) – for men with elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA) – for the timely and accurate detection of prostate cancer.

A Better Way for Diagnosis – Prostate Cancer Screening May Save Your Life!

You or your loved one should take these steps today:

1.  Get a PSA blood test if you are a man over the age of 45
2.  If your PSA is abnormally elevated, schedule a multiparametric prostate MRI in Ventura County to look for early cancer
3.  If your mpMRI scan is abnormal, get an MRI-guided prostate biopsy
4.  Call Palms Imaging Center to start your prostate cancer screening program

If you have an abnormal PSA, mpMRI is covered by insurance and a referral is not required.

What is MULTIPARAMETRIC MRI?

An mpMRI will show more clearly the extent of prostate cancer and provides more detailed images of the prostate gland without an invasive procedure. Palms Imaging board-certified radiologists then examine the images using CAD (computer-aided detection) to recognize and detect areas in the gland that look suspicious. These areas may be further evaluated through a targeted MRI-guided biopsy at our facility. Palms Imaging Center is one of a few facilities in Ventura County that performs MRI-guided biopsies of suspected tumors in the prostate.

• State-of-the-art technology that creates more detailed pictures of your prostate than a standard MRI scan
• Recommended screening for men with elevated PSA test
• Precise testing to detect – or rule out – prostate cancer

mpMRI can increase the detection of clinically significant disease over other methods by 50% and reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies by one-third. ¹

Highly Effective Technology

Because it provides detailed, high-resolution images of soft tissue anatomy, getting multi-parametric MRIs in Ventura County is highly accurate in detecting prostate cancer. When combined with PSA testing, it facilitates precise diagnosis, monitoring and management of prostate cancer. In some cases, mpMRI can rule out prostate cancer, avoiding the need for a biopsy.

When is a Biopsy Needed?

If your mpMRI scan is abnormal, an MRI-guided prostate biopsy is recommended.

Benefits of MRI-Guided Biopsy

• Specific targeting of tumor suspicious region instead of random sampling
• Minimally invasive with fewer cores (3-4) instead of 12 cores with ultrasound
• Reduced chances of infection and bleeding
• Better software to reach tumor suspicious region otherwise difficult to reach with ultrasound

The American Urologic Association (AUA) now recommends mpMRI prior to biopsy.

 

mpMRI provides detailed anatomical and morphological information, essential to a more accurate diagnosis.

 

 

 

mpMRI’s diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) measures the
diffusion of water molecules in prostate tissue. This technique
can differentiate more aggressive cancer from slower-growing tumors.

 

 

Dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging (DCE) is performed by the intravenous injection of a contrast agent to improve tissue visibility. This technique can visualize newly formed blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the accelerated tumor.

 

Prostate Cancer Stats and Facts

• About 1 in 9 men – 1 in 6 African American men – will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime
• A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test at age 45 may help predict long- term risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer
• Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in American men, after lung cancer
• If prostate cancer is found as a result of screening, it will probably be at an earlier, more treatable stage than if no screening were done

American Cancer Society, revised January 8, 2020.

We offer several options to help set up your mp-MRI prostate cancer screening appointment in Ventura County by asking our receptionist, visiting Palmsimaging.com and requesting an appointment online, or calling Palms Imaging Center at 805.604.9500.

Accredited by the American College of Radiology

1. Bjurlin, Mark A. et al. Update of the Standard Operating Procedure on the Use of Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging for the Diagnosis, Staging and Management of Prostate Cancer. Journal of Urology 1 April 2020.

SCHEDULING AVAILABILITY

Appointments available by referral only
Monday-Friday from 7:00 am to 7:30 pm
Saturdays from 9am to 2pm

DO’S AND DON’TS