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One of the leading health concerns for men is prostate disorders and cancer. 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.
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. 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.
Standard Methods Often Miss 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.
Advanced Technology for 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 intricate 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.
Men’s Health Experts
At Munroe Medical Group, their dedicated team is committed to providing high quality, compassionate care for you and your family. They are here for you along your life-long journey to good health. Munroe Regional’s personalized patient experience can make your health mission smoother.
At Munroe Regional, the most experienced medical professionals and the latest advanced technology are combined to offer you the best possible treatment, visit www.MunroeRegional.com.