1. What is the Function of the Prostate?
The prostate is a small gland (about the size of a walnut) located below the bladder in men and surrounds part of the urethra.
Main functions:
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Produces seminal fluid: This fluid mixes with sperm from the testes to form semen.
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Nourishes and protects sperm: The fluid from the prostate contains enzymes, zinc, and citric acid that support sperm function.
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Aids ejaculation: During ejaculation, the prostate contracts to help propel semen into the urethra.
2. Why Do MRI Prostate Plain (Non-Contrast)?
Plain MRI of the prostate (also called non-contrast or multiparametric MRI) is used as a non-invasive diagnostic tool.
Reasons:
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Evaluate prostate anatomy and size
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Detect tumors: Especially suspicious areas that may indicate prostate cancer.
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Assess lesions: Determine if a lesion is likely to be benign or malignant.
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Guide biopsies: Helps target areas that need tissue sampling.
MRI prostate plain typically includes:
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T2-weighted imaging: Excellent for viewing the prostate’s internal zones.
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Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI): Detects how water molecules move in tissue, helping find cancer.
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Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC): Quantifies DWI.
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Sometimes, spectroscopic imaging.
Many centers prefer non-contrast multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) as the initial step for screening or evaluating prostate issues.
3. Why Do MRI Prostate With Contrast (Dynamic Contrast Enhanced MRI – DCE-MRI)?
MRI with contrast (using gadolinium-based agents) is done when:
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Further clarification of a lesion is needed.
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Higher suspicion of cancer is present.
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Evaluating cancer spread (staging).
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Checking vascularity of a lesion (cancers typically show early enhancement).
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Monitoring after treatment (e.g., after surgery, radiotherapy).
Dynamic Contrast Enhanced (DCE) imaging helps:
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Detect fast-enhancing areas (which may indicate aggressive tumors).
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Improve PI-RADS scoring (used to assess prostate lesions).
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