New Technology to Detect Prostate Cancer?

That’s right. If the man in your life needs a biopsy, then check out the new technology available that increases the detection of high-risk prostate cancer, with minimal discomfort and faster results.

Traditionally, prostate cancer biopsies have been performed by random sampling of the entire prostate. In one case, a man needed 18 painful biopsies for each of his two previous procedures. With the new targeted technology, only six biopsies were necessary, and he had minimal discomfort.

Targeted magnetic resonance (MRI)/ultrasound fusion prostate biopsies … It’s a mouthful, but this technology is a much less invasive procedure for the patient and is a better option for someone who has other health issues. The technology identifies a more targeted area of the prostate to biopsy, thus reducing the number of biopsies performed. It also may decrease having additional future procedures.

Combining MRI and Live Ultrasounds for Accuracy and Clarity

Here’s the basic gist on what to expect:

• Prior to the biopsy, a patient has a specialized multiparametric MRI (a specific type of MRI providing clearer images) that is read by a radiologist who identifies and marks suspicious areas.
• During the actual biopsy, an ultrasound is done and the marked MRI image is “fused,” or combined, with the “live” ultrasound imaging of the patient’s prostate.
• This provides the urologist with an incredibly detailed image and a much more precise area to insert the biopsy needles.

Another individual was apprehensive to have more biopsies to determine if cancer was present. Previously, he had 12 biopsies and to have only four this time with targeted MRI/ultrasound fusion, it was much easier.