Is an MRI Fusion Biopsy More Accurate than a Traditional Prostate Biopsy?

If you’ve been found to have an elevated PSA and/or a palpable prostate nodule, you may be facing a prostate biopsy. When it comes to evaluating for the presence of prostate cancer, you deserve to have the most efficient procedure and accurate results possible so that you can better understand your diagnosis and begin an appropriate course of treatment. At Kasraeian Urology in Jacksonville, FL, board-certified urologist Dr. Ali Kasraeian is proud to have been the first provider to offer the advanced MRI/ultrasound fusion biopsy locally. With this cutting-edge technology, Dr. Kasraeian can reduce the risk of false negative results by strategically sampling suspicious areas, leading to more accurate diagnoses, more efficient treatment, and the potential for improved outcomes.

How is prostate cancer diagnosed?

In many cases, the first sign that prostate cancer is present is the detection of an elevated PSA on a routine blood test. A DRE, or digital rectal exam, can also be used to detect a palpable nodule. Less often, certain urologic symptoms may be the first indication of prostate cancer. In any of these scenarios, a repeat PSA may be performed to establish or confirm the PSA elevation. If the PSA remains persistently elevated, or if the man has multiple warning signs of prostate cancer, a prostate biopsy will be performed.

What happens during a prostate biopsy?

In a traditional prostate biopsy, 12 samples of prostate tissue – known as cores – are surgically removed from the prostate using a transrectal and laparoscopic approach. While a traditional prostate biopsy using this method can and often does lead to the accurate diagnosis of prostate cancer, there is a risk of a false negative result. This is primarily due to the “blind sampling” technique – meaning tissue cores are selected at random and may not be taken from the area of the prostate where cancerous cells are present. For a more accurate result, Dr. Kasraeian may recommend an MRI/ultrasound fusion biopsy.

Benefits of an MRI fusion biopsy vs. a traditional prostate biopsy

The process of an MRI fusion prostate biopsy involves first performing an MRI study to identify areas of the prostate that are suspicious for prostate cancer. The biopsy itself is then performed, and – like a traditional biopsy – involves taking tissue core samples that will later be evaluated by a pathologist. Instead of sampling the tissue at random, however, the MRI/US fusion biopsy is used to specifically select tissue cores from the areas that were identified on the MRI as being suspicious for prostate cancer. This is accomplished by using ultrasound guidance during the biopsy itself to locate the suspicious areas based on a live comparison of the previously performed MRI study. Overall, the benefits of an MRI/US fusion biopsy compared to a regular prostate biopsy include:

• More accurate result
• Lower risk of false negative prostate biopsy result
• Ability to identify areas most likely to harbor cancerous cells
• Does not rely on blind sampling method
• May lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment
• May result in a more favorable prognosis and better outcomes

Get the answers you deserve with an MRI fusion prostate biopsy in Jacksonville, FL

When you are facing a potential prostate cancer diagnosis, accuracy and efficiency are critical. Learn more about the compelling benefits of using an MRI/ultrasound fusion biopsy to diagnose prostate cancer by calling Kasraeian Urology to schedule your private consultation with premier Jacksonville, FL board-certified urologist Dr. Ali Kasraeian today.