Medical imaging can provide health care professionals with valuable information that aids in the diagnosis or treatment of many conditions and diseases. If you have symptoms or signs of possible prostate cancer, you may be offered an mpMRI as well as other investigative procedures.
Although an mpMRI alone cannot diagnose prostate cancer, it can often show areas that look suspicious and could be cancerous. If other tests have indicated the possibility of cancer, your health care professional may suggest you have an mpMRI.
If you already have prostate cancer, an mpMRI may help your medical team to understand if your cancer has spread.
MpMRIs are generally considered safe because they don’t use radiation, for some patients there are some additional clinical considerations listed below
Your specialist will tell you how to prepare for your mpMRI. You may be asked to fast (not eat or drink) prior to your scan.
Before your mpMRI, you will fill out a safety questionnaire. Some medical implants and devices can’t be scanned safely with an MRI.
Just before your mpMRI begins, you’ll need to remove all jewellery and any metal objects. You will also be asked to put on a hospital gown.
You might need an injection of MRI contrast (dye). The injection is usually through a vein in the arm or hand. If you have renal impairment or kidney disease, you will not be given a contrast injection.
Here’s what to expect during your scan:
The scan takes around 30 to 60 minutes.
Immediately after your mpMRI, your radiographer will review the images to check they have covered the right areas. If you had a contrast injection, your nurse will remove the needle. It’s also important to drink a lot of water to pass out the dye. You will not notice the dye, as it is colourless.
As soon as your specialist agrees, you can return home and resume your normal activities. As your test results are available, your specialist will discuss your results and recommend a treatment plan.
