Since their development during the 1970s and 1980s, MRI scans have become an integral part of the diagnostic process. The scans allow physicians to accurately diagnose many diseases and conditions while also allowing them to create the ideal treatment route. Multiparametric MRIs have become particularly useful for discovering and providing a treatment path for prostate cancer. If you need diagnostic imaging in Suffolk County, NY, asking your physician about what type of scan you need can help answer many questions.
What Is a Multiparametric MRI?
MRI scans typically use a specific type of imaging sequence during the scan. These sequences, T1- and T2-weighted imaging, provide a lower rate of detection. A multiparametric MRI uses several types of imaging sequences to provide more accurate and detailed scan results. A combination of different imaging sequences allows for a detection rate of almost 100 percent. When diagnosing prostate cancer, some physicians opt to use T1- and T2-weighted imaging combined with MR spectroscopy while others use T2-weighted imaging and diffusion-weighted imaging.
Why Use a Multiparametric MRI for Prostate Cancer?
Physicians diagnose prostate cancer by performing a digital rectal exam and studying the prostate-specific antigen level. Recently, many hospitals have begun to use transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsies. However, these methods don't allow physicians to understand the severity of the cancer and have led to overdiagnosis and overtreatment. The vast majority of individuals with prostate cancer don't require the levels of treatment that they receive. Additionally, the biopsies tend to miss anterior tumors.
Single imaging techniques, while useful, didn’t provide enough information for physicians to use and came with a variety of issues. The difference between MRI machines at different locations made it difficult for multiple medical diagnostic imaging centers and hospitals to compare scan results. Radiology diagnostic imaging is a difficult process. Prostate MRI scans are particularly troublesome to understand, and radiologists required large amounts of experience to use them properly. The advanced diagnostic imaging multiparametric MRI scans provide resolves these issues.
Benefits of Multiparametric MRI Diagnostic Imaging
T2-weighted imaging combined with other useful imaging sequences such as diffusion-weighted imaging and MR spectroscopy provides significantly better characterization of tumors in the prostate. The combination of scans is incredibly sensitive and specific. Treatment for prostate cancer is usually determined by tumor volume. Physicians can properly determine a treatment path by initially using the scans and then continuing to monitor the volume of the tumors over the course of treatment. Finally, the MRI scans provide a more personalized treatment plan. Rather than following guidelines that may not be accurate, radiologists can provide treatment for each patient based entirely on their own symptoms and issues.
Speak with Experts
MRI scans are complex and require intensive training to understand. Because of this, undergoing MRI scans can be a confusing process during an already stressful process. Ensuring that your scans are done correctly by highly trained individuals can prevent any issues from occurring. If you have prostate cancer and need diagnostic imaging in Suffolk County, NY, ensure that you are getting the best care you can by speaking with your physicians at Peconic Bay Medical Center about the types of scans you’ll be receiving. For more information, visit https://www.pbmchealth.org.