Do
you have an idea that one in nine men is diagnosed with prostate cancer?
Moreover, a lot of cases of prostate cancer would grow easily but the spread is
just so slow. This also often goes in unnoticed.
In
this case, what is magnetic resonance imaging? This test is useful for
diagnosing specific medical conditions. This also utilizes a powerful magnetic
field, computers, and radio waves. It also produces body structure images. It
never utilizes ionizing radiation such as CT scans and x-ray.
The
detailed and specified MRI images would enable radiologists of examining the
body and detecting diseases. It is the radiologist who will be reading the
examination and sending the detailed report following the referring physician.
Common Prostate MRI Uses
The doctor
will be using the MRI in evaluating prostate cancer. One will be seeing if it
comes limited with prostate. Information will be provided by MRI regarding the
way blood and water molecules flow in the prostate. This will help determine if
the cancer is around and if it is already aggressive. This will also guide the
doctor to know if it spread. The prostate MRI is also required in evaluating
prostate problems like abscess or infection, enlarged prostate, pelvic surgery
complications, and congenital abnormalities. It could also tell if there is a
difference between normal tissues and diseased tissues through CT, ultrasound,
and x-ray.
Common Preparations
In regard
to the preparations for prostate MRI, you will have to change and wear a hospital
gown. You may be permitted in wearing specific clothing if it has not any metal
fastener and if it comes loose-fitting. There will be a specific regimen for
bowel preparation that will finish up the test. Now, the prostate will be next
to the rectum. So, there must be no gas or stool in the colon during a test.
Just refrain from eating four hours before the test. Drink some liquids up
until the time of reaching the test. Moreover, you will be required of urinating
before the test to get your bladder as emptied as possible.
It
is good if you will avoid caffeine for the next twenty-four hours for the MRI.
Never get engaged in sex forty-eight hours before the test. The physician will
also be waiting six weeks after the prostate biopsy in having a prostate MRI.
This will make it sure of very clear images.
It
is best to talk to the technologist. It is at times, needed, to get an MRI
contrast injection through your vein. This contrast is requested by the
physician to help see specific diseases a lot better. Also, inform the
technologist if there are electronic or medical implants in the body. The
devices could interfere with the said examination. A lot of implants may have a
card that explains the risks of MRI for a specific device.
Length of Time of Prostate MRI
The
prostate MRI will usually consume forty-five minutes. Be more aware of holding
still for the examination. Any sort of motion could result in blurry images.
This will further reduce the images and their details. If there’s severe pain,
discuss it best with an attending doctor regarding pain medications before the
test. This will enable you of holding still for MRI.
So,
keep these significant things in mind in obtaining a prostate MRI!