MRI vs Ultrasound

MRI vs Ultrasound

MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging and is a test that uses magnetism together with radio waves and the help of a computer to produce pictures of internal bodily structures like your prostate gland. Ultrasound on the other hand uses sound waves similar to a fish finder to create pictures of the prostate gland. The information that is obtained from an MRI is very detailed and is able to detect very slight changes in bodily structures more so than ultrasound.

A new generation of MRI device is now being used to generate amazingly clear images of the prostate. Even tiny areas of cancer can now be seen in colour allowing more accurate detection of cancer and its location in the prostate gland. One study found the new techniques have a 95 pre cent accuracy rate in detecting prostate cancer compared to a roughly 33 per cent accuracy via the ultrasound method and is being used to help guide doctors when doing prostate biopsies to more accurately detect prostate cancer by giving more detailed information on suspicious areas

Transrectal ultrasound is routinely used to measure the size of a man’s prostate and has been in use for some time. One recent study compared the results of ultrasound vs MRI in determining the size of a man’s prostate which is important when considering treatment.

One such treatment as discussed in a previous article is prostate brachytherapy where generally a size less than 50cc is required. In one study comparing the two modalities, roughly 33 per cent of men who underwent ultrasound to check their prostate size would have been disqualified for this type of treatment.

Because MRI testing uses a very strong magnet, precautions are taken to make sure it is safe for you to have this test done, that generally takes about an hour and a half to complete. Some of these precautions are as follows:

• Removal of all jewelry

• Removal of eye glasses

• Removal of dentures

• Removal of hearing aids

• Pre-screening questionnaire

The MRI machine looks like a hollow tube with a round magnet around it. When you are in the tube, it can feel very claustrophobic (closed in) so for men who are claustrophobic (you do not like closed in spaces), your doctor may recommend you take a mild sedative prior to the test to help you relax during the testing.

You can return to your normal daily activities after the test is completed. Many men can expect to be injected with something called “gandolium contrast” prior to your procedure. This is done in order to help your prostate tissue more visible when the radiologist is examining its appearance

The radiologist will review your results and provide your doctor with a report as well as pictures of the testing that was done. MRI has been very effective in finding significant cancer that would normally have been missed by ultrasound and is a common test that is recommended if you have had more than one biopsy that is negative for cancer and your PSA result continues to increase.

This article was originally published on Trinidad Express.