With 50,000 new cases each year, the prostate is the organ most commonly affected by malignant tumours among men. The causes, as with many other forms of cancer, are largely unknown. Genetic factors, high-fat diets, environmental factors, as well as hormonal influences are often assumed to be risk factors. For many men, a visit to the urologist is an obstacle to overcome, as it is associated with getting undressed and palpation. In MRI diagnostics, this is not required. The man simply lies in the MRI device and the pictures it takes provide us with all the important information about the prostate and its neighbouring organs. The screening of the prostate gains in importance as patients get older (often as early as 40 years of age).
Who should have a check-up?
Palpation of the prostate is recommended from the age of 50. At the same time the urologist also determines the so-called PSA level (prostate-specific antigen). If this is elevated over 4.0 ng/ml, a tumour is suspected. In these cases a tissue sample should be taken from the prostate (biopsy). The reason for this: 30 per cent of men over 50 and up to 70 percent of over 80-year-olds have an asymptomatic prostate carcinoma – often hidden between benign lumps. Unfortunately, palpation is not very reliable, small tumours in particular are very difficult to detect. Conventional transrectal ultrasonography also only has limited validity. An MRI examination provides a more reliable diagnosis.
How is the examination carried out?
The magnetic resonance imaging scanner creates high-resolution images of the prostate and also depicts surrounding structures, such as the seminal vesicles and the pelvic floor, precisely. The complete examination is carried out comfortably in the supine position and takes approximately 20 to 40 minutes. The bladder should be as empty as possible during the examination. In order to illustrate the blood circulation of the prostate as well as to better differentiate lymph nodes and other structures, a gadolinium-based contrast agent is injected into an arm vein. Please let us know if you suffer from an allergy or a kidney dysfunction. As the spectroscopy is very sensitive to movement, a normally well-tolerated medicament is provided before the examination to keep the intestine calm (Buscopan). Before the examination you should drink as little as possible and avoid coffee and tea. Food causing flatulence (e.g. beans) is to be avoided on the day before the examination.
For many men, a visit to the urologist is an obstacle to overcome, as it is associated with getting undressed and palpation. In MRI diagnostics, this is not required. The magnetic resonance imaging scanner creates high-resolution images of the prostate and also depicts surrounding structures, such as the seminal vesicles and the pelvic floor, precisely. The complete examination is carried out comfortably in the supine position and takes approximately 20 to 40 minutes.