MRI of the Prostate is Game Changer for Prostate Cancer Screening and Diagnosis by Dr Kent DeLay

Despite concerns about screening from some groups we must acknowledge the reality that prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men. Given the profound impact it has we clearly want to minimize the number of men affected if possible.

In this vein screening for prostate cancer with a PSA blood test and a prostate exam has been utilized by urologists and primary care physicians.

The problem with PSA is it is poorly predicts the risk of prostate cancer. There is no perfect cut off to say "yes you have cancer" or "no you don't". So the only way to know is a prostate biopsy. While overall a safe procedure it does carry some risks including urinary infection, and urinary retention.

Fortunately prostate MRI has changed this area of practice. While initially only used for men who have a rising PSA and a prior biopsy which showed no cancer based on the PRECISION study we now utilize it to help decide if a man needs a biopsy. And if there is a lesion concerning for cancer on the MRI we can make sure we don't miss it when we do the biopsy. While MRI may miss some small cancers no tools we have are perfect but I truly believe in the future we will spare many men from biopsies or repeat biopsies because of MRI.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXd3z-CST_s