Tag: multiparametric MRI

It’s a fact. America’s population is aging. Lifespans are increasing due to medical and lifestyle advances, so a healthy 70-year old man’s life expectancy may be greater than his father’s was at the same age. Here’s another fact: prostate cancer (PCa), the most common tumor cancer in men, is considered a disease of aging. The keep reading

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common non-skin cancer in men, and it’s one of the most curable if it’s detected early. In addition, the American Cancer Society points out, “Catching cancer early often allows for more treatment options.” This is definitely true for PCa, since the number of available treatment methods has grown in keep reading

People are talking about the latest news: there may be a connection between having a vasectomy and being at risk for prostate cancer. A study from the Harvard School of Public Health has raised a red flag in the minds of men who already had vasectomies, and those who are considering them... keep reading

Is there a connection between prostatitis and prostate cancer (PCa)? No one knows for sure because there’s evidence on both sides of the question. What is prostatitis? Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland (think of swelling and irritation). Roughly 6-10% of men will have prostatitis at some time. There are two general types: keep reading

Since the early 1990s, prostate needle biopsy using transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guidance has been the reigning method for diagnosing prostate cancer. Compared to prior biopsy methods, it was a relative walk in the park. Transrectal ultrasound not only made prostate biopsy less invasive, it also had... keep reading

It’s frustrating when I hear focal therapy described as experimental. There are still many naysayers among urologists and oncologists who insist that focal therapy has not yet demonstrated its merits. To address their skepticism, I turn to international expert Professor Mark Emberton of University College London. Mr. Emberton (see explanation below for why British surgeons keep reading

Frank Robinson is remembered for a successful career as a Major League outfielder (14-time All Star) and manager. He is less remembered as the originator of common proverb, “Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.” According to ESPN Classic, in the July 31, 1973 issue of Time magazine Robinson uttered these words with respect keep reading

The Prostate MRI Imaging Study (PROMIS) was a landmark event in terms of demonstrating the superiority of multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) for biopsy guidance vs. conventional TRUS (transrectal ultrasound) guidance. Within a few years, more studies began to appear regarding biparametric MRI (bpMRI)... keep reading

Decisions, decisions. Virtually every action you make, no matter how small, is preceded by a choice or decision. If it doesn’t work out, most have only minor consequences. English muffin or whole wheat toast? Solid tie or striped? Drive or take the commuter train? Coffee or tea? These are small decisions. The stages of life keep reading

If you are diagnosed with low-risk prostate cancer and your doctor says you are a candidate for active surveillance, how can you be sure? This is a crucial question, and a study from a German-Canadian team adds important information for patients to consider before choosing AS. keep reading