Category: Imaging & mpMRI

Every man who has a multiparametric MRI of the prostate is entitled to a copy of his written report by the radiologist, and at least one CD containing the images. (Secure electronic medical records make it easier to get copies of your visits, test results, etc, and we encourage patients to keep their own home file with copies of all medical records.) When you get your MRI report, should you accept it at face value... keep reading

If you know someone with a medical crystal ball who can predict a prostate cancer patient’s outcome with 100% certainty, I’d like to hire that person to help my PCa patients gain the optimum treatment plan. Until that day, I continually seek top technology advances I can use in the service of my patients. Increasingly, keep reading

A 2021 paper describes the psychological anxiety and depression many patients feel when they are waiting for their biopsy results. Most men are already stressed just at the mere prospect of a needle biopsy. But then comes the period of not knowing while dread builds. Based on a validated questionnaire administered after a biopsy but before results were known... keep reading

We want to draw particular attention to a branch of AI called machine learning. When software is specifically “trained” to recognize imaging features, it can “… provide better standardization and consistency in identifying prostate lesions and enhance prostate carcinoma management.” One of the benefits is increased efficiency for busy radiologists who interpret MRI results and write reports. More importantly, however, is... keep reading

We are happy to report that an extensive body of literature on multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) of the prostate has mushroomed since the 2014 article cited in the original blog below. During the intervening years, more attention has been paid to mpMRI’s ability to distinguish between clinically insignificant prostate cancer (CISPCa) vs... keep reading

Is there any part of the body that can’t benefit from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)? So far, science hasn’t found one. In fact, not only can simple, straightforward MRI be applied to virtually all body parts, but MRI technology lends itself to endless development. For example, there are numerous variants in image acquisition that provide keep reading

In the fall of 2015, I posted a blog on prostate cancer risk calculators, or nomograms, and how multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) improves risk assessment. I wrote, “A nomogram is a set of scales that can be used to calculate an unknown value, and when adapted for medicine, they act as a statistical modeling tool. The classic nomogram used to predict the chances that PCa has left the gland at the time of treatment is... keep reading

When it comes to spending money, you have choices. According to wealthfit.com, “Whether you spend 10 seconds or 10 days weighing a decision, each one comes with strings attached. With each option you choose, you’re saying ‘no’ to a different option. The value of what you do not select is called your opportunity cost. You keep reading

If you had prostate cancer (PCa) and opted to be treated with either prostatectomy (surgical removal) or whole-gland radiation, what sign of recurrence would you watch for? You’d be sure to have an annual PSA blood test. Why? Because after whole-gland treatment, it is expected that your PSA will drop to zero (or very close keep reading