About the Exam - Prostate MRI
Mountain Medical offers prostate MRI exams to evaluate the extent of prostate cancer. The prostate MRI exam can determine if the cancer is confined to the prostate, or if it has spread outside of the prostate gland. The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system and is located in front of the rectum and below the bladder and surrounds the first part of the urethra.
Occasionally, a prostate MRI exam is performed to evaluate other problems in the prostate including infection or prostate abscess, an enlarged prostate, congenital abnormalities, and complications after pelvic surgery.
What you can expect during a prostate MRI:
- You will be asked to lie flat on your back on the examination table.
- If a contrast material is used, your radiologist or technologist will insert an IV catheter into a vein in your hand or arm.
- The table will move into the magnet of the MRI unit and the radiologist and technologist will leave the room while the MRI is examination is performed.
- If a contrast material is being used, it will be injected into the IV after an initial series of scans. Additional imaging will be taken during or following the injection.
- When your MRI is completed, you may be asked to wait until the radiologist or technologist checks the images in case additional images are needed.
- MRI usually include multiple runs, some of which last for several minutes.
- A prostate MRI is usually completed within 45 minutes or less.
Learn how to prepare for a prostate MRI.
Learn the benefits and risks of prostate MRI.
Watch the MRI - What to Expect Video.
