Imaging/Diagnostics
The patient will need to see a Urologist if their screening results are abnormal. A diagnosis of prostate cancer is made following a needle biopsy. In some cases, an MRI scan of the prostate is needed to guide the needle during biopsy.
Prostate Biopsy
If your PSA level is elevated, your Urologist may recommend having a prostate biopsy as your next step. A prostate biopsy is an outpatient procedure to obtain tissue samples of the prostate. By examining these samples under a microscope, your care team determines whether or not there is prostate cancer. If the tissue sample shows signs of cancer, your care team can estimate how quickly the cancer will grow.
Once the biopsy results come back, your Urologist will review the report with you. This report often includes:
- A description of the sample, such as color and consistency of the tissue
- A description of the cells found in the tissue
- Cancer grading. If the biopsy shows cancer, it is given a Gleason score. A Gleason score ranges from 2 to 10 and is meant to rate the cancer based on how abnormal the cells look under the microscope. High Gleason scores indicate the cancer is more likely to grow and quickly spread.
- Diagnosis. This section lists the diagnosis and includes any comments, such as addition suggested tests or treatments.
After reviewing these results with you, your Urologist will discuss what treatment options are available. Our team will work closely with you to ensure your treatment plan is best suited to meet your personal care needs.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Fusion Biopsy
Because prostate cancer can be difficult to detect, UI Health offers MRI fusion guided biopsy. This type of biopsy begins with an MRI of the prostate. The patient will be placed on the MRI table and a series of images will be taken of their prostate. A radiologist will review and analyze the images to help create a 3-D picture of the prostate. During the biopsy, your Urologist will have the MRI images that mark abnormal areas of your prostate. With the help of an ultrasound, these MRI images help guide your Urologist to target certain areas of the prostate when collecting tissue samples.
Multidisciplinary Tumor Board
All cases are discussed weekly with a group of experts from Pathology, Urology, Radiology, Medical Oncology, and Radiation Oncology. This helps UI Health activate the most effective plan for prostate cancer treatment.
