- The most accurate screening test for prostate cancer
- Can help doctors distinguish between aggressive and slow-growing cancers
- Can help avoid unnecessary biopsies and associated side effects
- Recommended by the American Urological Association
Multiparametric prostate MRI (mpMRI) is an exciting new screening tool for men who have risk factors for prostate cancer. As a front-line test, it can help you detect—or rule out—prostate cancer without the “poke and hope” approach of a blind prostate biopsy.
If a biopsy is needed, prostate MRI can ensure the biopsy is highly targeted to the area in question, potentially reducing the number of biopsy samples needed and thereby reducing the number of needle sticks required to obtain them.
To schedule your prostate MRI, please call 858-888-4398.
If you have two or more of the following risk factors, you may benefit from prostate MRI at Imaging Healthcare Specialists. We offer this test at our Encinitas and La Jolla, CA imaging centers:
- 65 years of age or older
- Elevated PSA
- Abnormal digital rectal exam
- Family history
- African American
- Overweight
- Enlarged prostate
Interested in learning more about how prostate MRI works?
Hear Michael, accompanied by our own Dr. Ross Schwartzberg, talk about his experience with Prostate MRI at Imaging Healthcare Specialists in San Diego.
Hear Dr. K talk about how a previous Prostate MRI and subsequent biopsy misdiagnosed his cancer, and how our own Dr. Ross Schwartzberg realized there was a bigger issue and helped get Dr. K the help he needed.
The OnQ Prostate Difference
Through our partnership with CorTechs.ai, prostate MRI at Imaging Healthcare Specialists uses a unique diffusion technique called Restriction Spectrum Imaging (RSI) along with artificial intelligence. This provides valuable information that helps our doctors to differentiate between clinically significant, aggressive cancer and less threatening, slower-growing cancer. We are the only regional imaging center network to offer this advanced technology on all prostate MRI exams.
In addition, we are the most experienced imaging provider in San Diego when it comes to prostate MRI. Our state-of-the-art equipment and software are optimized for this test. Our technologists have been specially trained and use advanced protocols when imaging patients. Our doctors work closely with urologists in the community to ensure that these exams are performed in the context of patient history and other health concerns. The goal of our prostate MRI screening program is to help men achieve early detection of life-threatening cancer while helping them avoid an unnecessary biopsy and/or overtreatment.
OnQ Prostate: Case Study
To understand why OnQ Prostate with RSI technology can make a real difference when it comes to your prostate MRI exam, please read the case study below. You can also download and share this PDF with others, including your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test?
The PSA Test is a blood test used primarily to screen for prostate cancer. The test measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood. PSA is a protein produced by both cancerous and noncancerous tissue in the prostate.
What are PSA levels?
Most men without prostate cancer have PSA levels under 4 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml) of blood. The chance of having prostate cancer goes up as the PSA level goes up. Men with a PSA Level between 4 and 10 have about a 1 in 4 chance of having prostate cancer. If the PSA is more than 10, the chance of having prostate cancer is over 50%.
What is a “Gleason Score?”
The Gleason system assigns grades based on how much the cancer looks like normal prostate tissue.
- Cancers with a Gleason score of 6 or less may be called well-differentiated or low-grade
- Cancers with a Gleason score of 7 may be called moderately-differentiated or intermediate-grade
- Cancers with a Gleason score of 8 through 10 may be called poorly-differentiated or high-grade
What is PI-RADS?
Pi-Rads (Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System) refers to a structured reporting scheme for evaluating the prostate for prostate cancer. The score is assessed on prostate MRI. Images are obtained using a multiparametric technique including T2 weighted images, a dynamic contrast-enhanced study, and diffusion-weighted images. A score is given according to each variable. The scale is based on 1 to 5 (which is given for each lesion), with 1 being most probably benign and 5 being highly suspicious of malignancy.
- PI-RADS 1 – Highly unlikely that clinically significant cancer is present.
- PI-RADS 2 – Unlikely that clinically significant cancer is present.
- PI-RADS 3 – Uncertain whether clinically significant cancer is present.
- PI-RADS 4 – Likely that clinically significant cancer are present.
- PI-RADS 5 – Highly likely that clinically significant cancer is present.
For results of PI-RADS 4 or 5, patients should be recommended for biopsy. For results of PI-RADS 1 or 2, a recommendation for biopsy is likely inappropriate, but other factors should be considered. For results of PI-RADS 3, biopsy may be appropriate depending on patient history, local preferences and preferred standard of care.
What is Multiparametric Prostate MRI (mpMRI)?
Combines anatomic imaging in the form of T2-weighted imaging, with functional imaging, which includes primarily diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) and dynamic contrast enhancement (DCE).
What is Diffusion-Weighted Imaging (DWI)?
The use of specific MRI sequences as well as software that generates images from the resulting data, which uses the diffusion of water molecules to generate contrast in MR images. It allows the mapping of the diffusion process of molecules, mainly water, in biological tissues, in vivo and non-invasively.
What is Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC)?
A measure of the magnitude of diffusion (of water molecules) within tissue and is commonly clinically calculated using MRI with diffusion weighted imaging (DWI).
What is T2-Weighted Imaging?
A T2-weighted imaging sequence provides anatomic information about the prostate gland. It offers detailed visualizations of the prostate gland and its distinct zones. T2-weighted imaging has applications in the detection, localization and staging of prostate cancers.
What is Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)?
A test for both men and women, it allows a doctor to check the lower rectum, pelvis and lower belly for cancer and other health problems. In men the doctor can check for prostate cancer, blood in the stool or an abnormal mass in the anus or rectum.
What are the risk factors for prostate cancer?
- Age 50 or older
- Family History
- Father or Brother has had prostate cancer
- Race/Ethnicity
- African-Americans are at a higher risk than Caucasians and Hispanics. Prostate cancer occurs less often in Asian-American and Hispanic/Latino men than non-Hispanic Caucasian men.
- Pre-Cancerous prostate changes can be a precursor to cancer
- Genetic (Chromosomal) abnormalities
- Such as a certain altered or missing gene
Additional prostate cancer resources/information
Schedule A Prostate MRI at Imaging Healthcare Specialists
Find out why patients from all over the globe have traveled here to benefit from what San Diegans have right in their own backyard—a top quality test at a world-renowned prostate MRI imaging center.
Not all insurance plans cover this test, but at IHS, we’ve made this revealing test affordable at $950. Click here to see the costs of our other screening and diagnostic tests. You can also schedule a consultation with one of our radiologists should you have questions about your test results, wish to have more insight into your condition and/or better understand your options. Special financing options are available.
Call us at 858-888-4398 to schedule your prostate MRI today!
Visit IHSMensHealth.com to learn more about prostate cancer, risk factors and multiparametric prostate MRI.