Prostate MRI Exams
in New Mexico
Prostate MRI
X-Ray Associates of New Mexico is proud to offer Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Prostate at the Stephen G. Babel – El Camino Imaging Center in Albuquerque, NM.
The expert team at X-Ray Associates of NM is proud to offer the latest technology in diagnosing and staging Prostate Cancer.
Talk to your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Blood in the semen
- Erectile dysfunction
- Frequent, hesitant, and/or burning urination
- Bone pain or pain/stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs
Our team has state-of-the-art MRI scanners with the latest protocols and software available to perform the highest quality Prostate MRI exams.
Multiparametric MRI
What is Multiparametric MRI (mpMRI)?
X-Ray Associates of New Mexico have state of the art MRI scanners with the newest protocols and technologies available to perform the highest quality Prostate MRI examination. With a newer MRI system, endorectal coils are not necessary. Instead, external MRI coils may be used eliminating patient discomfort. As a high quality and expertly interpreted prostate MRI can help avoid a prostate biopsy and more accurately detect potential cancer, the quality of the MRI system as well as fellowship trained Radiologists are critical to getting the right diagnosis.
Multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) is a fairly new technology used to image the prostate. Urologists have been using ultrasound for years to image the prostate, but prostate cancer can be difficult to visualize with ultrasound alone. mpMRI can be used to find abnormalities in the prostate with far greater detail and location than we could with ultrasound alone. Multiparametric MRI (mp-MRI) may determine the location and volume of prostate cancer in men with elevated PSA, as well as evaluate for recurrent prostate cancer.
How does Multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) work?
Multiple MRI sequences are utilized to visualize the prostate gland. We can measure the extent of a tumor, identify the location of the tumor(s), and determine if a tumor has spread beyond the prostate gland. A multiparametric MRI exam uses three separate MRI sequences:
T2 weighted images: T2 weighted images give clear images of your anatomy and will show any suspicious areas in the prostate.
Diffusion weighted images: These images attempt to demonstrate the movement of water molecules through prostate tissue, which helps pinpoint areas of abnormal (cancerous) cells.
Dynamic Contrast-enhanced: DCE allows for imaging of the vasculature as well as perfusion in the prostate gland to find an area of abnormal blood flow that may represent the tumor.
When Is Prostate
MRI Recommended?
To Evaluate Signs & Symptoms
Prostate MRI is used to help evaluate signs and symptoms associated with prostate disease. Some examples include:
- Evaluating prostate cancer size and possible spread
- Follow-up imaging for prostate cancer
- Detecting prostate infection (prostatitis) or a prostatic abscess
- Diagnosing prostate enlargement (A.K.A. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH)
Benefits
- Prostate MRI scan is noninvasive and painless
- Prostate MRI can evaluate soft tissue and blood vessels
- MRI scan does not expose you to any ionizing radiation
- An MRI exam may help you avoid exploratory surgery
- MRI provides highly detailed images of pelvic structures and can assist in the diagnosis and evaluation of prostate cancer and other prostate related illnesses
Risks
- Some medical devices implanted into your body may be at risk of malfunctioning due to the strong magnetic field.
- In very rare cases, patients with poor kidney function may be susceptible to nephrogenic systemic fibrosis when undergoing contrast-enhanced examinations.
- Gadolinium-based contrast has a very low risk of causing an allergic reaction which can usually be easily treated.
What To Expect
What Should I Expect?
In most cases, your doctor will order a Prostate MRI with intravenous contrast. This allows for better visualization of the gland and other related structures. Prostate MRI typically takes a total of about 40 minutes. You will be asked to change into a gown and remove all metal such as jewelry from your body. You will be placed on a moveable exam table which may have straps to help keep your body from moving. If contrast was ordered, your technologist will place an IV to administer contrast. The contrast might cause warmth in the body part being examined. If this is uncomfortable, let your tech know. The technologist will conduct the exam from a control room and you will be able to communicate with the tech at all times. The technologist will have direct visualization of you and keep you informed of what is happening as your exam progresses. MRI scanners are short tunnels and are open at both ends. Most people do not have trouble with the exam but if you have anxiety or severe back pain, please mention this to your scheduler. Our staff are experts at helping people through their exam with minimal anxiety. You might hear a loud knocking or tapping sound which may be managed with earbuds or headphones with music. These will be provided before the exam begins. In rare cases, some patients experience side effects from the contrast such as nausea, headaches, itching, hives, and including but not limited to throat swelling. If you experience any discomfort, let the technologist know.
Prostate Cancer
What is Prostate Cancer?
The prostate is a small walnut-shaped gland that produces part of the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. Prostate cancer occurs in this gland. It is usually diagnosed when the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) blood test is elevated or through an abnormal prostate physical exam. Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in America, affecting one in seven men. Approximately 200,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year and more than 27,000 of these men will die from the disease.
What Are the Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer can include, but are not limited to:
- Frequent, hesitant, and burning urination
- Blood in the semen
- Erectile dysfunction
- Bone pain or pain/stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs
Because these symptoms can also indicate the presence of other disease(s), a complete medical workup may be needed to determine the underlying cause of these symptoms.
How is Prostate Cancer Diagnosed?
Prostate cancer can be suspected with a combination of the PSA blood test and a digital rectal exam (DRE). Sometimes a prostate biopsy is indicated if these tests are abnormal. In many cases, a specialized contrast enhanced MRI examination may be performed (Multiparametric Prostate MRI). These MRI studies are read by fellowship-trained Abdominal radiologists with additional subspecialty training in prostate MRI and help decrease the number of biopsies performed while increasing the number of significant prostate cancers identified.
How Does MRI Help with Prostate Cancer Care?
A prostate MRI plays an important role in the evaluation and management of prostate cancer. It provides detailed images of the prostate that help physicians identify suspicious areas, assess the extent of disease, and determine whether additional testing, such as a targeted biopsy, may be appropriate.
For patients diagnosed with low-risk prostate cancer, MRI may be used as part of an active surveillance plan. Periodic MRI examinations, scheduled by your healthcare provider, can help monitor the prostate for changes over time and support ongoing clinical decision-making.
Can Prostate Cancer Spread?
PSMA PET/CT combines positron emission tomography (PET) with computed tomography (CT) to identify prostate cancer cells with a high level of accuracy. This advanced imaging technology can help detect the spread of prostate cancer, including small areas of metastasis that may not be visible with conventional imaging alone. The information obtained from a PSMA PET/CT scan can assist healthcare providers in staging the disease, planning treatment, and monitoring patient care.
When Is Prostate MRI Recommended?
American Cancer Society guidelines
Prostate MRI is used to help evaluate signs and symptoms associated
with prostate disease. Some examples include:
- Evaluating prostate cancer size and possible spread
- Monitoring the progress of prostate treatment
- Detecting prostate infection (prostatitis) or a prostatic abscess
- Diagnosing prostate enlargement (A.K.A. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH)
Benefits
- Prostate MRI scan is noninvasive and painless
- Prostate MRI can evaluate soft tissue and blood vessels
- MRI scan does not expose you to any ionizing radiation
- An MRI exam may help you avoid exploratory surgery
- MRI provides highly detailed images of pelvic structures and can assist in the diagnosis and evaluation of prostate cancer and other prostate related illnesses
Risks
- Some medical devices implanted into your body may be at risk of malfunctioning due to the strong magnetic field.
- In very rare cases, patients with poor kidney function may be susceptible to nephrogenic systemic fibrosis when undergoing contrast-enhanced examinations.
- Gadolinium-based contrast has a very low risk of causing an allergic reaction which can usually be easily treated.
The X-Ray Associates Difference
Board-Certified and Fellowship-Trained Experts
At XRANM, we deliver high-quality imaging services with efficiency and care, supporting both referring providers and patients every step of the way.
Preparation for Exam
Usually, no preparation is needed except for certain exams where you may be asked to not eat or drink anything.
Preparation for Exam
A specially-trained radiologist will interpret, analyze, and report your exam results to your physician.
Preparation for Exam
As with most radiologic tests,
allergies are rare.
Preparation for Exam
Prostate MRI exams are available at our Alamogordo Imaging Center Breast Health and Imaging Center X-Ray Associates at Farmington
X-Ray Associates on Beckner Road
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