Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
Being diagnosed with prostate cancer is overwhelming and devastating for most men, but if it’s caught early enough it can be treated successfully. There are approximately 2.9 million men in the U.S that have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. And yet due to the early findings and treatment, many of them are functioning and living a high quality of life.
On the darker side of these statics, according to the American Cancer Society, 1 out of 7 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, and there will be nearly 220,000 new cases of prostate cancer diagnosed this year alone. If left untreated it eventually leads to death. Nearly 27,000 people die of the disease each year. It’s the second leading cause of death in men behind lung cancer.
Prostate cancer doesn’t always show signs and symptoms. Many times a physician will discover a swollen area that needs to have further testing, but some of the following symptoms may be a clear warning sign that there is an issue with the prostate.
Symptoms:
• Blood in urine or semen
• Pain in the lower back, hips or thighs
• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Difficulty starting urination
• Difficulty holding back urine
• Weak or interrupted flow of urine
• Pain or burning sensation during urination
• Difficulty in having an erection
• Painful ejaculation
Diagnostic Tools:
Although the level of a man’s PSA (prostate-specific antigen) is an important marker in detecting issues with the prostate, unfortunately, this test alone is not always detailed enough. In some cases men with completely normal PSA levels will regrettably have prostate cancer. And on the contrary, high PSA levels can sometimes coincide with a healthy normal prostate. For men in their mid to later life, it is beneficial to have additional forms of diagnostic tests.
Through the years there have been many different variants of testing and imaging for the prostate. One of those is ultrasound. With ultrasound many times the transrectal imaging is not clearly visible. In some cases, cancer and lesions can go undetected. If a transrectal biopsy is being performed with ultrasound, it sometimes is done blindly, meaning that the physician is sightlessly aspirating tissue, and may inadvertently miss the actual cancer within the prostate.
The Most Advanced Technology:
There is a better test. The most advanced MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is done with 3T Wide Bore Imaging. This machine offers up the most detailed prostate anatomy, showing the tiniest lesions that would otherwise go unnoticed, enabling the physicians to visualize the prostate like never before.
With the 3T Wide Bore Imaging system, physicians are also able to map out intricate treatment options for each patient specifically on a case-by-case basis. Unlike older MRI machines, with this high-level of technology, it is not necessary to insert a rectal coil. The 3T Wide Bore technology uses an external non-invasive coil that provides no discomfort to the patient.
The difference in the complex details is beyond comparison, and that’s ideal for both the patient and the physician. In addition to the scientific advancements of the 3T Wide Bore machine, the comfort to the patient is also favorable, since the table is much wider than traditional MRI machines, which minimizes claustrophobia and any small space anxiety.
The key to the best outcome when dealing with the prostate is to get a proper diagnosis early. The 3T Wide Bore MRI is the best chance men have for detailed imaging, early detection and a healthy life.
RAVE Radiology:
Not all imaging facilities have the highly advanced 3T Wide Bore MRI, but RAVE, Radiology Associates of Venice & Englewood do because they understand the importance of providing the best technology and the most advanced diagnostic tools for their patients.
RAVE is a radiology practice, which has been active for over 30 years. They currently consist of 10 board certified radiologists, many of which have postgraduate fellowships with subspecialty training, all of whom have years of fulltime experience. There are over 90 health care professions working with RAVE to provide the best possible radiologic services in Sarasota County. In addition to their personnel, they have some of the best radiologic imaging devices available. Superior visualization makes your diagnoses accurate and timely, preventing potentially dangerous delays in initiation of your therapy. At RAVE, you can have confidence you’re getting top-notch professional assistance in your diagnosis and care.
For more information, please visit their website at www.RaveRad.com
Radiology Associates of Veince and Engelwood
VENICE
512-516 S. Nokomis Ave
Venice, FL 34285
941-488-7781
Hours: 8:00am-5:00pm
ENGLEWOOD
900 Pine Street
Englewood, FL 34223
941-475-5471
Hours: 8:00am-5:00pm
