Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI, magnetic resonance imaging) with a 3 Tesla tomograph is currently the most accurate method for visualizing prostate carcinoma. Due to the fine image resolution and the high soft tissue contrast, cancer-related tissue changes in the prostate can be detected at an early stage. The examination method also provides information on the location and size of tumor foci as well as their possible extension in the prostate.
While most facilities have magnetic resonance tomographs with a field strength of 1.5 Tesla, the West German Prostate Center, in cooperation with the radiology department of the KLINIK am RING, performs the examination with one of the most modern, high-resolution MRIs, the 3 Tesla MRI. This allows prostate carcinomas to be detected with an even higher sensitivity and specificity. The examination data also provide the urologist with precise indications for a targeted biopsy (MRI-guided biopsy).
When is an MRI useful?
- In patients whose PSA levels continue to rise despite a negative biopsy and the suspicion of cancer remains.
- In patients in whom the tumor has recurred after successful therapy (recurrence).
- local tumor staging in case of positive biopsy findings