Why a prostate MRI may be requested
- A raised or rising PSA result
- An abnormal prostate examination
- Ongoing concern despite previous tests
- Planning a targeted biopsy
- Assessing known prostate cancer in an appropriate pathway
What MRI can contribute
- Identify areas that may need targeted assessment
- Estimate prostate volume and help calculate PSA density
- Help reduce unnecessary biopsy in selected lower-risk cases
- Support biopsy targeting when sampling is recommended
- Provide information used with PSA, examination and clinical history
Important limitations
- MRI does not diagnose every prostate cancer
- A reassuring scan does not reduce risk to zero
- An abnormal scan does not by itself prove cancer
- Biopsy may still be advised according to the overall risk assessment
How this fits your care: MRI results should be interpreted with PSA history, PSA density, examination findings, family history and ethnicity rather than in isolation.
Discussing the next step
Mr Syed Ali Shahzad can review your symptoms, previous results and imaging before explaining whether this investigation is appropriate and how the result may affect treatment planning. Tests are arranged through the relevant hospital pathway.
Clinical information reference: NHS: tests and next steps for prostate cancer. This page provides general information and does not replace individual medical advice.