Prostate cancer occurs when the cells in the prostate gland start to grow uncontrollably, resulting in a tumour. The prostate gland is a part of the male reproductive system and lies just below the bladder, in front of the rectum.
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test is one of the ways to detect prostate cancer and other conditions, such as an enlarged prostate or inflammation. It works by detecting elevated levels of a protein produced by the prostate gland, which is one of the markers of prostate cancer. However, a new study found that a 10-minute Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan could be more accurate in screening men for prostate cancer than a PSA test.
Also Read: PSA Test For Prostate Cancer Diagnosis: Things Men Need To Know About It
Study Findings
The REIMAGINE study published in the BMJ Oncology involved 303 men aged between 50-75, who underwent an MRI screening and a PSA test, administered at the University College Hospital.
Of the volunteers, 48 participants had an MRI that indicated the presence of prostate cancer despite having a median PSA density. 16 people had a raised PSA density alone. Following National Health Services (NHS) assessment, 29 men were diagnosed with clinically significant cancer, 15 of whom had serious cancer and a PSA of less than 3ng/ml, and 3 men with clinically insignificant cancer.
Study author Professor Caroline Moore, a consultant urologist at UCLH said, “Our results give an early indication that MRI could offer a more reliable method of detecting potentially serious cancers early, with the added benefit that less than 1% of participants were ‘over-diagnosed’ with low-risk disease.”
Prof Mark Emberton, another senior author of the study and a consultant urologist at UCLH, remarked, “The UK prostate cancer mortality rate is twice as high as in countries like the US or Spain because our levels of testing are much lower than other countries.
“Given how treatable prostate cancer is when caught early, I’m confident that a national screening programme will reduce the UK’s prostate cancer mortality rate significantly. There is a lot of work to be done to get us to that point, but I believe this will be possible within the next five to 10 years,” he added.
Dr Anita Aggarwal, Chief of Radiology, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, New Delhi, says, “In an effort to be more accurate in prostate cancer diagnosis, the MRI scan has emerged as a beacon of hope.”
According to her, its accuracy and clarity light the way to more dependable detection, eliminating confusion for patients and empowering healthcare practitioners. “This breakthrough underscores medical technology’s transformational potential, providing a lifeline to people plagued by prostate cancer. As we welcome this new age of greater diagnostic accuracy, we also look forward to a brighter future in which early diagnosis leads to more effective therapies and better results. It demonstrates the unwavering pursuit of advancement in the realm of healthcare,” she adds.
How Does An MRI Scan Work
MRI scan is a non-invasive medical imaging procedure that employs radio waves and a strong magnetic field to produce detailed pictures of the body’s interior organs. It involves:
Magnetisation: A strong magnetic field is applied to the patient, causing the hydrogen atoms in their bodies to line up with the magnetic field.
Radiofrequency pulse: A brief RF energy burst is used to cause the hydrogen atoms to momentarily deviate from their aligned position. The hydrogen atoms return to their aligned position once the radiofrequency pulse is switched off, releasing energy in the process.
Signal detection: The MRI machine picks up the energy that the hydrogen atoms emit. The body’s tissues produce this energy, which enables the MRI equipment to distinguish between distinct tissue types.
Lastly, a computer processes the signals to produce pictures of the body. The internal organs, muscles, nerves, and blood arteries may all be seen in great detail in these photos.
Also Read: Why Do We Get An MRI Scan? Know It’s Effect On The Body
Role Of MRI And PSA Test In Detecting Prostate Cancer
According to Dr Aggarwal, PSA testing and an MRI scan have various roles to play in the diagnosis of prostate cancer.
“MRI scans are very useful for evaluating the prostate gland and its surrounding tissues. They can assist in figuring out the size and location of tumours, and assessing the degree of cancer spread. On the other hand, PSA levels in the blood are determined by the PSA test. PSA readings that are elevated may be a sign of prostate problems, including cancer,” she explains, noting that not all increased PSA values signal cancer; they can also be raised by non-cancerous diseases.
The PSA test is therefore regarded as a screening technique that frequently requires more research, such as a biopsy or an MRI scan, to establish the existence of cancer.
Common Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer That Should Urge You To Take A Test
Some of the common symptoms that should urge you to get prostate screening include:
- Difficulty in urination
- Weak or disturbed urine flow
- Frequent urination
- Feeling that the bladder is not empty
- Pain or discomfort in the pelvic area, around the waist
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Erectile dysfunction
- Fatigue and weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Swelling in the legs or feet
Bottomline
Early detection of prostate cancer helps in effective treatment and better quality of life. While PSA levels help indicate prostate problems, MRI scans may be more accurate in prostate cancer diagnosis. Regardless, it is important to get regular check ups and address any changes in urination and other symptoms of cancer.
اكتشاف المزيد من ينبوع المعرفة
اشترك للحصول على أحدث التدوينات المرسلة إلى بريدك الإلكتروني.