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What is MRI of the prostate. The pros and cons of this procedure.

Among non-invasive methods of diagnosis of diseases of the male stands out magnetic resonance imaging of the prostate.

Data MRI allow doctors to diagnose many diseases, while x-ray and ultrasound or computed tomography do not give the desired results. The main disease that can be reliably diagnosed with MRI of the prostate – prostate cancer.

Usually magnetic resonance therapy is carried out after a positive result of the biopsy. This is done to detect the spread of the process beyond cancer.

It often happens that the MRI of the prostate is used to diagnose other diseases, such as:

  • Benign prostatic hyperplasia;
  • Abscess of the prostate or prostatitis.

During an MRI the patient is not irradiated with ions, the scheme is exposed to a special radio waves at the protons of hydrogen atoms in a strong magnetic field.

The equipment processes the obtained data and gives multiple images. The interpretation of these images deals with the radiologist. Compared with x-ray and computed tomography MRI better detects damaged tissue and healthy.

How is

MRI is performed either outpatient or inpatient.

The patient is placed on the table of the machine in a comfortable position. Endorectal coil is placed in a special case which is lubricated with the lubricant and inserted into the rectum. Then surrounding the cylinder coil is inflated – this locks the device in position.

After MRI imaging, the balloon is deflated and the coil is removed. After the procedure the patient will have to wait until the doctor will decode the image – if you need a new "pictures", the procedure is repeated.

Preparation for the procedure

The man before undergoing MRI of the prostate within two days have to follow a special diet, which will eliminate flatulence. This will greatly simplify the process of introduction of the endorectal coil.

Sometimes, to cleanse the bowel, offer the patient an enema. If the everyday clothing of the patient contained no metal products, changing into sick things he doesn't have.

If a man is suffering from claustrophobia, doctors can give them mild sedative medications. Before the examination the patient should remove all accessories and jewelry, because they affect the image.

The MRI is strictly contraindicated in the presence of such things as piercing, folding knives, glasses and pens, dentures, hairpins, pins, metal clasps, mobile phones, hearing AIDS, credit cards.

Ifthe patient in the body there are electronic or medical devices, must notify the doctor about this in advance(prostheses, pacemaker). If metal objects are made on the basis of titanium, they do not pose a threat.

The pros and cons of the study

MRI of prostate a lot of advantages, and disadvantages. The first category include:

  • The lack of ionizing radiation;
  • The clarity and detail images of soft tissues;
  • A wide spectrum of diagnosed diseases;
  • The opportunity to study the chemical structure of the prostate that is a huge step in the identification of prostate cancer;
  • If the use of contrast material, it does not cause allergies, can not be said about radiography and computed tomography.