The prostate gland is a tiny plum sized organ that lies just beneath the bladder; the urethra runs through the prostate releasing urine from the bladder. As men age, it can become enlarged, infected and cancerous. Over the last thirty years, the way most medical practitioners check for prostate cancer hasn’t changed very much, and unfortunately, this has led to higher statistics of men being underdiagnosed.
There are approximately 2.9 million men in the U.S diagnosed with prostate cancer. Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the leading malignancy in men. It is often referred to as a silent killer, as it rarely shows signs or symptoms until it has developed maturely and even metastasized into other areas of the body. This year alone, it will take over 27,000 men’s lives. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Underdiagnosed and Misdiagnosed Prostate Cancer
Traditional rectal exams miss the smaller tumors that are progressively growing, and although the level of a man’s PSA (prostate-specific antigen) is an essential 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. Conversely, 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.
Groundbreaking Diagnosis and Treatment
There is a better test. The most advanced MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is done with an MRI Fusion Biopsy. This technology blends ultrasound and MRI biopsy to assure correct location, aspiration, and treatment take place. The unique MRI unit, shows detailed prostate anatomy, revealing the tiniest lesions that would otherwise go unnoticed, enabling the physicians to visualize the prostate like never before. With the MRI Fusion Biopsy, physicians are also able to map out intricate treatment options for each patient individually on a case-by-case basis.
This year alone, over 700,000 men will undergo repeat prostate biopsies, with MRI Fusion, 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 in locating and treating prostate cancer, the comfort and reduced anxiety to the patient is also advantageous.
21st Century Oncology uses the latest, most advanced method, which provides a MRI Fusion Biopsy and imaging to be merged in real time to the ultrasound on the day of the biopsy. This targets a lesion with immense accuracy that can then be biopsied.
The key to the best outcome when dealing with the prostate is to get a proper diagnosis early. The MRI Fusion Biopsy is the best chance men have for detailed imaging, early detection, and a healthy life. This technology has helped increase the accuracy of biopsy upwards of 80-90%.
21st Century Oncology is the premier provider of cancer care services across multiple modalities, the largest radiation oncology provider and one of the largest groups of urologists in the U.S. For more than 30 years, 21st Century Oncology has been committed to providing state-of-the-art, academic quality radiation therapy and other cancer treatments in a patient-centric setting focused on continuous innovation.
Florida Urology Specialists
In addition to using MRI technology, Florida Urology Specialists of Sarasota has been performing the fusion biopsy method at Sarasota Interventional Radiology for several years. Patients are very pleased in that it helps to rule out cancer that may have previously been missed with traditional methods of diagnosis.
Florida Urology Specialist’s treatment teams develop an individual treatment plan for each patient, taking into consideration the type of cancer, the stage, and location of the cancer, the patient’s general health, and the patient’s own preferences; among other factors. Patients work with experienced medical professionals and the most advanced radiation therapy technology combined into the best possible cancer treatment. To find out more, please call (941) 309-7000.
Florida Urology Specialists
1 South School Ave, Ste. 200, Sarasota, FL 34237
(941) 309-7000
https://flurologyspecialists.com