MRIs in the diagnostic process

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I'm 61.

I have two Chronic conditions (no cure) Ulcerative Colitis since I was 19 and Parkinson's since I was 44.

I got my first PSA test results last week, My PSA level was 29. The Doctor did a DRE and pronounced it was smooth but a bit enlarged. A urine sample showed no blood or infection.

It wasn't until I got home that I read online that ejaculation less than 48hrs before the blood sample can affect PSA levels. I haven't had the opportunity to tell the Doctor I'd been sexually active the night before my first sample was taken

I had a confirmatory Blood test Monday just gone that I haven't had the results for yet. But this time there was at least 72 hours with no sexual activity. It will interesting to see the effect on the PSA level, if any

Dorset County Hospital called on Tuesday to arrange an outpatient appointment next Tuesday. Is an MRI likely at that appointment and can it show how local or otherwise the cancer has reached?

Bill2021 over 3 years ago

No , they won’t do an MRI at that appointment, but they may start the process of organising one . Yes an MRI will indicate how likely it is you have a tumour by giving any lesion a PIRADS score (1-5) , and will help to identify if it has spread . Other types of scans ( bone scans and PET) may be necessary for a fuller picture . If the MRI is abnormal , a prostatic biopsy would probably be the next thing though . Bill

Kendo over 3 years ago in reply to Bill2021

Bill

Thank you.

I understand my Ulcerative Colitis probably excludes radiotherapy.unless the cancer isn't contained within the Prostate. I'd want the most effective treatment that is deemed to be nerve sparing surgery if it's only in my prostate. My confirmatory blood test results have just come in PSA 24.5, and another figure of 4.1 that the surgery couldn't explain what it was measuring.

The two treatments that appear to be suitable are Laparoscopic surgery or I can have that type of radiation, HDR brachytherapy.

Anyone have experience of these or other nerve sparing surgery? Is ultrasound based treatment HIFU available and suitable for me?

Bill2021 over 3 years ago in reply to Kendo

I had a bilateral nerve sparing prostatectomy, but realise its limitations. Especially in a 70 year old like myself . I think you’re going to have to wait for your mri , mri or fusion guided biopsy , and bone scan before you really know your options. , and whether focal or even nerve sparing is possible . I don’t know about the availability of hifu or Tulsa in the uk . I live in France , and they would need seeking out in major centres here .

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MRIs in the diagnostic process