Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among men, but not all prostate cancers are alike. Some are slow-growing and need monitoring, while others are aggressive and can spread quickly to other parts of the body. 

Detecting the type of prostate cancer early is crucial. A prostate MRI at Oryon can help distinguish between slow-growing and aggressive cancers, guiding the right treatment plan and ensuring timely intervention when needed.

Your healthcare provider may recommend a prostate MRI examination if you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer or have symptoms that suggest it, such as an increased level of PSA (prostate-specific antigen) in your blood. 

A prostate MRI screening can help your healthcare provider determine the extent and aggressiveness of your cancer, plan your treatment options, and monitor your response to therapy.

But what does a prostate MRI entail, and how does it work? Here, we explain the benefits, risks, preparation, and process of having a prostate MRI procedure.

The Benefits of a Prostate MRI

One of the primary uses of a prostate MRI is to assess the extent and aggressiveness of prostate cancer and determine if it has spread beyond the prostate gland. An MRI can help your doctor plan the best treatment options for your specific condition.

Getting a prostate MRI has many benefits, especially if you have been diagnosed with or suspected of having prostate cancer. 

Some of these benefits include:

Accurate Diagnosis

A prostate MRI can help detect small tumours that other tests, such as blood tests or ultrasound, may miss. A prostate MRI can also help determine if you have benign conditions that can cause symptoms similar to prostate cancer, such as infection or inflammation.

Precise Biopsy

If you need a biopsy to confirm your diagnosis, a prostate MRI can help guide your healthcare provider on where to take tissue samples.

Metastasised Cancer 

A prostate MRI can detect metastasised cancer that has spread to areas other than the prostate.

Treatment Planning

Because a prostate MRI can show the extent and location of cancer, it can help you and your healthcare provider decide what treatment you need, such as surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, or active surveillance (watchful waiting). Over time, MRI can also help determine if you need to switch treatments.

Improved Monitoring

Follow-up prostate MRIs can help monitor any changes in your tumour size or activity over time. Regular monitoring can help you and your healthcare provider decide if you need to start treatment.

Understanding Your Results 

These are some of the main observations made by the radiologist based on the images. 

It may include:

• The size, shape and volume of your prostate gland
• Any abnormalities in your prostate gland, such as
  • lesions (areas of abnormal tissue)
  • cysts (fluid-filled sacs)
  • calcifications (hard deposits)
  • atrophy (shrinkage)
• The location of any abnormalities within different zones or regions of your prostate gland
• The likelihood of any abnormality being clinically significant cancer using a scoring system called PI-RADS. 
• Whether or not cancer has spread beyond your prostate gland into nearby structures
• Any incidental findings outside your prostate gland, ie, kidney stones, bladder tumours, or pelvic masses.

The MRI Experience at Oryon 

At Oryon, we aim to create a welcoming environment before, after and during your scan to ease anxiety and support your peace of mind. 

The entire process will be overseen by our expert radiographers who guide patients through each step. Before the scan, we’ll give you a clear explanation of the process so there’ll be no surprises waiting for you.

During the procedure, patients lie comfortably on a scanning bed that moves into the MRI machine. It is important to remain still to achieve the best results. The machine produces a series of sounds during the scan, which can be unfamiliar but are completely normal. This is why we have ear protection at the ready for everyone.

Prostate scans usually take between 40 minutes and an hour. Once complete, the images will be reviewed by experienced consultants who will provide a detailed report. We aim to deliver these results as quickly as possible, helping patients take the next step without delay.

How to Prepare for an MRI

There is very little preparation needed for an MRI scan. 

Patients should wear comfortable clothing without metal fastenings and may be asked to remove jewellery, watches or hearing aids. Those with implants or certain medical devices should inform staff beforehand, as some equipment may not be compatible with MRI technology.

It’s quite normal for patients to feel anxious about enclosed spaces, and any help you need can be discussed in advance. Our team is trained to provide support and reassurance throughout. We have claustrophobia-specific tips for how you can use our team to help the scan run smoothly for you.

How to Book

If your health professional is ready to make a referral, you can take the next step towards getting you the care you need by booking online using our form. 

Or, get in touch by emailing us a completed copy of our referral form. 

Alternatively, you can call us, and we’ll contact you once we’ve received your referral to get you booked in for your appointment.

If you don’t have a referral, you can use our quick and easy scan referral service to get a trusted referral from one of our healthcare professionals, ensuring you receive the right scan for your needs.

This service operates 7 days a week, with referrals typically provided within one working day. This means you can get the imaging you need without unnecessary delays.