Recommendation for second opinion on prostate MRI scan?

Posted by merwether @merwether, Jul 18, 2023

Interested in finding radiologist experienced in reading MRI scans of prostate to provide second opinion.
Thanks!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Prostate Cancer Support Group.

@lyricw

Thanks so much. Biopsy is Tuesday, but MRI pirad 4 0.6 X 0.9 left posterior lateral looked worrisome. PSA 2.2 2019, 3.8 2021, 3.6 2022 & 5.2 2023. Internist slow to react because normal < 4. I need to be with organized care group.

Jump to this post

Yes the biopsies will be the procedure to really determine the cancer and stage.

The MRI, CTs, only show suspicious areas. Both of us were under the normal range for PSA. My primary care doctor did not like my rising numbers though. Urologist when got MRI said 70% chance the suspicious areas would be cancer.

I think even if under the norm (mine was 3.75 but was rising every 3 months) the thing to watch and address is why the PSA is rising not so much the number. The only way you have PSA or rising PSA is the prostrate irritation and or cancer. So something I wanted to address and find out rather than waiting.

Good luck on your biopsy on Tuesday. Can you pass on how it came out. Again good luck!!

REPLY
@jc76

Yes the biopsies will be the procedure to really determine the cancer and stage.

The MRI, CTs, only show suspicious areas. Both of us were under the normal range for PSA. My primary care doctor did not like my rising numbers though. Urologist when got MRI said 70% chance the suspicious areas would be cancer.

I think even if under the norm (mine was 3.75 but was rising every 3 months) the thing to watch and address is why the PSA is rising not so much the number. The only way you have PSA or rising PSA is the prostrate irritation and or cancer. So something I wanted to address and find out rather than waiting.

Good luck on your biopsy on Tuesday. Can you pass on how it came out. Again good luck!!

Jump to this post

The other test that is essential is the PSMA PET scan. This scan targets prostate cancer specifically by using an agent that attaches to prostate tumors. This test is not available everywhere. Mayo has it, University of Michigan also has it. Good luck.

REPLY
@tgood

The other test that is essential is the PSMA PET scan. This scan targets prostate cancer specifically by using an agent that attaches to prostate tumors. This test is not available everywhere. Mayo has it, University of Michigan also has it. Good luck.

Jump to this post

tgood, thanks for feedback. I did have a PET scan done prior to treatments at UFPTI. It was done at Shands Hospital but ordered by my UFPTI urolgist/oncologist. I was told (UFPTI) it was to determine if the cancer was anywhere else in my body especially lymphnodes.

It used some type of contrast injection. I see my Oncologist/Radiologist for my first 3 month follow up October 4th and will asked him as he ordered it. It was a long wait to get it as only done once a week. She tech that did it said something about storing it as had to have special area. It came back negative as wells as the bone scan.

REPLY

I had two MRIs and neither saw anything. And the second MRI was after my biopsy and they knew exactly where to look for my PCa.
Do some looking up. MRIs can be anywhere from 50-90% accurate.
I would not rely on them too much.

REPLY
@groundhogy

I had two MRIs and neither saw anything. And the second MRI was after my biopsy and they knew exactly where to look for my PCa.
Do some looking up. MRIs can be anywhere from 50-90% accurate.
I would not rely on them too much.

Jump to this post

groundhogy, On your MRI did they use an injectable special contrast that highlights the prostrate and shows suspicious areas? Did they use a implantable probe balloon that also places the prostrate in position and hold it so MRI is more clear? Prostrate can move during a MRI and can blur the MRI.

My MRI with contrast and balloon was done at Mayo Jacksonville. The MRI showed suspicious areas which is what they can do, not diagnose cancer. Then I had MRI/Fusion biopsies and pathology results confirmed areas of prostrate cancer and my Gleason Score and risk level.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.