You may be in the position of having forthcoming PCA3 and trans-rectal ultrasound test or have already had these test done. If a biopsy has now been suggested and you have been told a mpMRI scan is not available, there is a long wait for this test or have not had this option mentioned, we are here to help and advise you.
As a group of urology consultants along with utilising HIFU Focal Therapy as a treatment for prostate cancer whenever appropriate, we have also been using mpMRI scans as a diagnosis aid since its inception.
A 3T mpMRI scan can be carried out for men with an elevated PSA level before a biopsy. This can pinpoint exactly where any areas of interest are located and allow for much more targeted biopsies, which are no longer carried out through the rectum.
The combination of MRI and new precision biopsies has led to a paradigm shift in the way prostate cancer can be diagnosed or ruled out.
Until recently the usual method of determining if your symptoms and raised PSA levels were due to prostate cancer was to perform a biopsy of the prostate. The biopsies performed are called a TRUS (trans-rectal ultrasound) biopsy or a transperineal biopsy.
Whilst many men have had biopsies done by these methods and received accurate results and not suffered any adverse reaction, this is not always the case. Samples taken during the biopsy may not always collect those that show the resident cancer in the prostate. These methods also carry a great risk of infection, acute urine retention following the procedure, erectile issues, and short-term bleeding. There is also evidence to show there is a possibility of seeding or spreading the cancer along the path of the needle used during the procedure.
The development of the 3T mpMRI scan enables us to more accurately diagnose whether prostate cancer is present and the location, and stage of the disease. It is also a far less invasive procedure than a biopsy, which provides a better experience for the patient and far fewer chances of side effects, infections and cancer spreading.
If a biopsy is still needed as a part of the investigation process, but an mpMRI scan has been done first the accuracy of this information allows us to collect the samples directly shown in the mpMRI scan.
All our facilities can provide an mpMRI scan at a date and time convenient to you. Before this we would have had detailed conversations with you about your symptoms and any test results you may have already had.
We would welcome the chance to discuss with you your current situation and offer help and advice on whether an mpMRI scan is the best option for you.
As a group of consultants we are passionate about all prostate cancer sufferers knowing about all of their treatment options.
Based upon the details that you know and can provide to us, we will send you a Plain English personalised preliminary suitability report for HIFU Focal Therapy treatment of your prostate cancer.
You can use the information we provide in your conversations with your existing NHS and/or private treatment consultant. Should you wish to talk with us further we would be grateful to help you, but there is absolutely no obligation for you to do so whatsoever.