MRI

[tr305]

I had an MRI yesterday for imaging my prostate. What can I expect from the process? I don't see my doctor for a couple of weeks.

[Tall_Allen]

You can expect an experienced radiologist, if there is one at your facility, to review it thoroughly and assign something called a PIRADS score to various areas of your prostate. PIRADS range from 1 (no suspicioun) to 5 (highly suspicious). They will then biopsy more cores from areas that look suspicious.

[tr305 in reply to Tall_Allen]

Thanks, Allen. Very helpful.

[Thesledge]

Well I'm sure after the MRI they will do a biopsy which I found to be a little painful other than that my friend I hope you get good new and your prostate is ok. I'm not going to tell you what decision I would recommend if they verify cancer. Just be prepared for some real life altering issues. You will have to decide yourself what action you want to take. Like I said I hope it turns out to be a false alarm. Take care

[EdinBmore]

Good that you got the more sensitive test - MRI. "Regular" biopsy is a shot gun approach.

After RO reads results, he'll probably want to do biopsy of suspicions areas. Biopsy is invasive, can be painful...make sure he gives you anaesthetic; 12 needles through your rectal wall and into your prostate is not fun. And, you'll probably see blood in urine and semen. Bloody semen ain't pretty. Takes 3-5 days to clear up. Uro and RO will give you treatment options if cancer is present. Hopefully it's negative.

Good luck to you.

Edinbaltimore

[tr305 in reply to EdinBmore]

Thanks Ed.

[GeoffNoLongerAS]

tr305 From your previous posts it seems you have had some PSA's done and possibly biopsies. What were the results? What is your current PSA? Any results from the prior biopsies?

I would think you could get the results from the MRI quicker than 2 weeks. Depending on the results you may need another biopsy. I have had several biopsies over time. Most have been without anesthesia and yes they can be quite uncomfortable despite the fact that they should give you some local numbing. Be careful to follow the prep instructions carefully. One of my biopsies placed me in the hospital for 5 days due to a blood infection from the biopsy.

My last biopsy was under general anesthesia. I asked my doc why, his reasoning was if awake there could/would be some anticipatory flinching on my part and could affect his aim. Not sure if that is true however this time they found the tumor and the results ended my 11 year active surveillance.

My advice to you is to start learning all you can about PCa. Be prepared. When the results come in things can move quickly. Depending you may be a candidate for AS, or may decide on surgery, or may need radiology. Information will be overwhelming. There are a lt of good sites and information out there including this site.

One thing that helped me was a book by Dr. Patrick Walsh (something like surviving Prostate Cancer) (btw I have no connection with the book or author). I just went through this experience, if interested you can look up my posts.

Good luck going forward, hope all goes well and feel free to post the results when you get them.