prostate diagnostics

Every therapy stands and falls with diagnostics. This is especially true for prostate cancer, which can be treated very well if detected early. Through regular Early detection examinations (detailed anamnesis, physical examination, sonography and PSA determination), the mortality rate of prostate cancer decreases significantly. Screening also makes it possible to optimise the course of therapy and thus increase the patient's quality of life.

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Prostate diagnostics using multiparametric MRT

At MEDIZINICUM Hamburg we use multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRT), the most modern and reliable imaging method for the early detection and treatment of prostate cancer. The mpMRT is not only the most precise diagnostic procedure currently available, but also the most gentle. The patient is not exposed to radiation and the risk of unnecessary tissue sampling is minimized.

If a prostate biopsy is necessary, the images of the mpMRI can be used for a "cognitive fusion biopsy". It detects significantly more malignant tumors than conventional prostate biopsies with a lower number of biopsies.

Prostate carcinoma

Every year, 60,000 men in Germany develop prostate carcinoma. Prostate carcinoma is the most common malignant neoplasm in men and the third most common cause of cancer death. The median age of onset is 69 years. The average risk of a man developing a significant prostate carcinoma in the course of his life is 12.3%. Men are therefore recommended to have regular prostate examinations from the age of 45 at the latest. Early detection examination be carried out regularly. Early detection of the tumour and its characteristics (aggressiveness and spread) is decisive for the course of therapy, as healing is only possible in an early, organ-limited stage.

The mpMRT

At the Medizinicum we use a modern device with a field strength of 3 Tesla for mpMRI. This imaging method enables an exact tumour exclusion or a precise tumour detection and characterisation. Its detection sensitivity surpasses other diagnostic procedures, but should only be used in addition to them. The Urologist and radiologist can thus assess the findings in synopsis and then biopsy with pinpoint accuracy if cancer is suspected. Of course, other pathological changes such as a bladder growth can also be visualised in mpMRI.

Advantages

After the MRT, suspicious areas can be located exactly, marked and, if necessary, biopsized precisely. The probability of detecting the most aggressive part of the tumour in the prostate increases. Repeated biopsies can be avoided and the right therapy for you can be determined at an early stage. In the case of a negative result in the MRI of the prostate, aggressive tumour growth is rather unlikely. The mpMRT significantly increases the reliability of diagnosis, thus allowing the aggressiveness of individual tumor foci to be assessed more accurately. This means that surgery can be dispensed with and the tumour can be actively supervised instead.

For whom is an mpMRT prostate exam best suited?

Increased, rising or fluctuating PSA level
Abnormal rectal palpation finding
Abnormal rectal sonography finding
Before performing a prostate biopsy, especially if the prostate is slightly larger and especially before a 2nd or 3rd biopsy.
Patients who have a family risk of cancer
If cancer is not clearly excluded prior to surgery of a benign prostate gland
Patients with known prostate carcinoma for whom active surveillance is performed
All patients who for safety reasons wish to have a supplement to their screening examination

Further information on the investigation

Following a prostate biopsy, the mpMRI examination should be performed after 6 weeks at the earliest.
The examination is performed by administering a well tolerated MRT contrast medium. In addition, a medication for relaxation can be administered on request.
The mpMRI examination takes approx. 35 minutes and is performed in a supine position.