Prostate cancer is cancer that occurs in the prostate gland. This is the walnut shaped gland in men situated below the bladder, that produces seminal fluid.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men.
Usually prostate cancer grows slowly and is confined to the gland. However, while some types grow slowly and may need minimal or even no treatment, other types are aggressive and can spread quickly.
If detected early, when still confined to the gland, prostate cancer has a far better chance of successful treatment and cure.
Prostate cancer often causes no signs or symptoms in its early stages. If advanced, it may cause the following:
- Trouble with urination.
- Decreased force of the urine stream.
- Blood in seminal fluid.
- Discomfort in the pelvic region.
- Bone pain.
- Erectile dysfunction.
There is mounting evidence supported by the literature suggesting that multi-parametric MRI of the prostate used in conjunction with the PSA blood test, then followed by targeted biopsy of the tumour, is a better alternative, than initial prostate biopsy for cancer detection.
The Prostate For Life multi-parametric MRI Scan is a state-of-the-art, enhanced MRI scan technique to detect and stage early prostate lesions.
It includes the standard high-resolution MRI scan technique, with additional Diffusion Weighted Imaging and dynamic Contrast Enhanced imaging, to provide a non-invasive, highly accurate diagnosis.
Multi-parametric Prostate MRI Scan
The Multi-parametric MRI Scan is the most accurate non-invasive test to detect early prostate cancer, before it has spread beyond the gland or to lymph nodes or distant organs such as bone.
The scan is non-invasive, painless and completely safe.
The scan is a zero X-ray dose scan that uses a harmless magnetic field.
The entire process takes less than 45 minutes.
The Scan is appropriate in the diagnostic (referral) situation, if your PSA level (blood test) is abnormal or rising.
Preparation for the Scan:
No food 3 hours before the scan.
Requirements for the Scan:
You will receive a small injection of safe Gadolinium Contrast during the Scan. This is a MRI “dye” administered via a standard IV line (“drip”). Scan for Life™ uses the latest contrast agent which is extremely safe.
There is no X-ray “dye” (contrast) administration.
Occasionally one may require safe oral or short acting IV sedation if you are very claustrophobic.
Prostate cancer:
About 1 man in 9 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime.
Prostate cancer develops mainly in older men. About 6 cases in 10 are diagnosed in men aged 65 or older, and it is rare before age 40. The average age at the time of diagnosis is about 66.
Worldwide, more than 1.11 million men were estimated to have been diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2012, with incidence rates varying across the world.
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind lung cancer. About 1 man in 41 will die of prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer can be a serious disease, but most men diagnosed with prostate cancer do not die from it.
How often must the Prostate For Life Scans be performed?
In the vast majority of people, it is a single / once-off Scan.
Who should consider the Prostate for Life Scans?
The indications for MRI of the prostate are widening:
- Centres are now offering diagnostic pre-biopsy MRI, before prostate biopsy, with raised PSA or PSA velocity (climbing levels).
- For prostate tumour staging (extent).
- After an initial negative prostate biopsy.
- Active surveillance of the prostate
Let Us Contact You
Leave your details and we will contact you shortly