How accurate is an MRI scan in detecting whether cancer is fully contained within the capsule and other questions.

Hi Murphy 

I think that MRI pretty good at determining if tumour contained.

First of all PSA really not particularly high, ok 15mm size getting on a bit, could be worth checking if it is nearing the capsule edge cos at 15mm it could be but not necessarily.

Probably the next most important part is biopsy results cos if a lowish Gleeson 6 or 7 then unlikely to have spread so just wait for that.

But do  just check how near to the capsule edge is tumour although until biopsy result obviously don't know if it is cancer.

All the best 

Steve 

Hi, welcome, though sorry you find yourself here.

I doubt that MRI is always as accurate re surrounding ex-prostate area as is often claimed. Mine was reckoned to be within only and my EBRT delivered accordingly. 4 years later extensive distant spread. None showing (on PSMA PET scan) in prostate, so RT presumably got the prostate clear but there was already some lurking outside.

My Consultant did not deny this, simply resorted to "well, it's always different....".

PSMA PET will i think find smaller sites than MRI and if you can blag that very expensive  investigation then I would do so. 

OTOH, odds on that will find everything and that if well within rather than hard up against edge yours found in good time. 

Can but ask about certainty.

• Good luck, Dave 

Hello Murphy22 

I trust the MRI Scan - let’s face it, you have a very expensive piece of kit and a well trained radiographer and the system has been trusted for years.

You have Pirads5 which means they had a clear unobstructed view of the prostate - they can see the tumour and that the edge of the prostate is unbroken.

The biopsy will tell you if the tumour is cancer and the Gleason score how aggressive it is.

You need to stay away from Dr Google and place your trust in your team. I would start chasing your results after a couple of weeks.

Best wishes - Brian.