About this page. This is a plain English summary of the multiparametric MRI scan for prostate cancer. It does not replace medical advice from your own doctor or specialist.
For full information and references, please read the detailed page.
What is a multiparametric MRI?
A multiparametric MRI (often shortened to mpMRI) is a special type of MRI scan of the prostate. The "multiparametric" part means that the scanner takes more than one type of picture, and combines the results to give a much clearer view of the prostate than a standard MRI.
It does not use radiation. You lie inside a tunnel-shaped scanner for around 30 to 45 minutes while it takes the images.
Why is it useful?
An mpMRI helps doctors with five things:
- Diagnosis. It is highly accurate at picking up prostate cancer (around 90 to 95% accuracy in the studies cited on the detailed page).
- Better biopsies. The MRI pictures can be combined with live ultrasound during a biopsy, so the needle can be guided to the exact area of concern. This is called an MRI fusion biopsy.
- Staging. It shows how much of the prostate is affected and whether the cancer reaches the edge of the gland.
- Monitoring. For men on active surveillance, an mpMRI can sometimes replace a repeat biopsy, so they avoid extra needles.
- Planning focal treatment. If only a small area of the prostate has cancer, the MRI helps plan a treatment that targets just that area.
What an MRI fusion biopsy means in practice
The MRI scan is done first, on a different day. The pictures are then loaded into the biopsy system in theatre. During the biopsy, the live ultrasound and the earlier MRI are overlaid on the same screen, so the suspicious areas can be sampled directly. Studies have reported higher cancer detection rates and better accuracy with this approach.
Important things to know
- An mpMRI is very accurate, but it is not 100% accurate. Some areas that look abnormal turn out not to be cancer, and a small number of cancers can still be missed.
- An MRI alone cannot confirm cancer. If the scan finds something suspicious, a biopsy is still needed.
- Some people find lying still in the scanner uncomfortable, especially if they are claustrophobic. Open or wider scanners are sometimes available.
- An MRI usually involves an injection of contrast dye. People with kidney problems, severe allergies, or some metal implants need to discuss this with the radiologist first.
What you can do next
- Read the full detailed page with references.
- Short version overview of prostate cancer.
- Short version: prostate biopsy, the usual next step.
- Short version: transperineal biopsy, often combined with MRI fusion.
- Request a second opinion on an MRI result.
- Call 02 8382 6980 to make an appointment.