MRI PROSTATE
Also Known As
SENIOR
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FAMILY
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Certified Labs
NABH Accredited
Reports in
6hrs
Measures
No description available
Identifies
No identification information available
About The Test
What is MRI Prostate?
MRI Prostate is a specialised magnetic-resonance scan that creates detailed 3-D pictures of the prostate gland and surrounding tissue. Unlike basic ultrasound, it uses powerful magnets and radio waves—no radiation—to reveal problems as small as a few millimetres.
List of Parameters
| Parameter | What It Shows |
|---|---|
| T1 & T2-weighted sequences | Gland anatomy, presence of bleeding or calcification |
| Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) | How tightly packed cells are—cancer often restricts water movement |
| Dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) imaging | Blood-flow patterns; tumours usually enhance faster than normal tissue |
Why This Test
Detecting prostate cancer – Locate suspicious lesions and decide if biopsy is needed
Evaluating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) – Measure prostate volume before surgery
Monitoring post-treatment changes – Check for cancer recurrence or shrinking after radiation or surgery
When to Take Test
Benefits
Benefits of an MRI Prostate Scan
High-resolution soft-tissue contrast – Differentiates tumour from normal tissue better than any other scan
No radiation exposure – Safe for repeat imaging
Guides targeted biopsies – Helps the doctor take fewer, more accurate samples
Conditions Diagnosed with a Prostate MRI Scan
| Condition | How MRI Helps |
|---|---|
| Prostate cancer | Pinpoints location, size, spread beyond capsule |
| Prostatitis | Highlights diffuse or focal inflammation |
| Prostatic abscess | Shows fluid-filled cavity needing drainage |
Preparing for test
Pre-requisites
- Remove metal – Watches, rings, belts and credit cards
- Empty bladder 30 minutes before the scan for clearer images
- Inform staff about pacemakers, stents or previous contrast reactions
Best Time to Take the MRI Prostate
Any day is suitable. If you are on antibiotics for infection, complete the course first to avoid false inflammation signals.
Eligibility
- Age: 18 years and above
- Weight limit: Up to 150 kg on our open-bore scanner
- Contra-indications: MRI-incompatible pacemakers, cochlear implants or certain aneurysm clips
Procedure for Taking an MRI Prostate
- Change into cotton gown
- Lie on the table feet-first; a small coil rests over the pelvis
- Contrast injection (if mpMRI) via IV line midway through the scan
- Stay still; each sequence lasts 3–5 minutes; total time ≈ 25–35 minutes
- Technician speaks to you via intercom throughout
Caution Before Taking the Test
- Sedation: Mild oral relaxant available on request—arrange someone to drive you home
- Diabetes: Hold Metformin 48 hours if contrast is used
- Kidney function: Recent creatinine blood test required for contrast studies
Test Results
Results and Interpretations
| Finding / Observation | Description | General Interpretation / Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Low PI-RADS 1 | Normal signal | Very low likelihood of cancer, routine follow-up |
| Intermediate PI-RADS 3 | Suspicious but not clear | May need MRI-guided biopsy |
| High PI-RADS 4–5 | Definite lesion with restricted diffusion | High chance of clinically significant cancer |
| Enlarged central zone | Symmetrical, smooth enlargement | Likely benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) |
| Fluid-filled cavity | Bright on T2, dark on DWI | Suggestive of prostatic abscess |
| Bone Lesions | Examination of the visible pelvic bones for any suspicious areas. | The presence of lesions in the bone could indicate metastatic cancer, signifying advanced disease. |
| Other Pelvic Findings | Any incidental findings noted in the bladder, rectum, or other visible structures. | These findings may be unrelated to the prostate but could require further investigation. |
Risks & Limitations
Extremely safe: No radiation, no known tissue damage
Contrast allergy: Rare reaction to gadolinium dye—tell the technician about kidney issues or past allergies
Claustrophobia: Open-bore MRI machines at Cadabams Diagnostics reduce anxiety
Limitation: Very early, microscopic cancer cells may still need a biopsy for confirmation
FAQs
Is MRI Prostate painful?
No. You may feel a brief cool sensation when contrast dye is injected, but the scan itself is painless.
How long does the scan take?
25–35 minutes total. Add 15 minutes for paperwork and positioning.
Can I eat before the scan?
Yes, light meals are allowed. Avoid large meals that may make you uncomfortable while lying down.
Is contrast dye always required?
Only for multiparametric MRI Prostate. If you cannot receive contrast, a non-contrast study is still valuable.
When will I get my report?
Most patients receive a provisional report within 4–6 hours. Digital copies can be emailed or accessed via the Cadabams Diagnostics patient portal.
What are the next steps after an MRI Prostate?
The next steps depend entirely on your MRI results. Your doctor will review the radiologist's report with you and recommend a plan. This could range from simple reassurance and continued monitoring, to a targeted prostate biopsy for a suspicious finding, to detailed planning for treatments like surgery or radiation if cancer is confirmed.