MRI Prostate
About 1 in 10 men will develop prostate cancer at some point in their lives. Prostate cancer is a form of cancer that only affects men. The prostate is a small gland located between the bladder and the urethra, and it produces seminal fluid. Prostate cancer occurs when malignant cells form a tumor in the prostate.
It is the most common cancer among men over 55 years old. Every year, around 13,000 men in the Netherlands are diagnosed with prostate cancer. This means that the risk is significant for men, not just for those who are older.
Early detection is crucial — the earlier prostate cancer is found, the better the chances of successful treatment. MRI scans of the prostate are playing an increasingly important role in detecting the disease early.
What?
An MRI scan provides detailed images of the prostate, helping to identify any abnormalities and determine whether further investigation is necessary.
After reviewing the MRI results, about 50% of patients do not need additional procedures such as a biopsy. In these cases, no abnormalities or aggressive cancers requiring treatment are detected on the MRI.
This makes MRI scans a more accessible method for detecting and ruling out prostate cancer. Since MRI is less invasive than biopsies, it is generally considered more comfortable and patient-friendly.
For whom?
Early detection of prostate cancer increases the chance of successful treatment and prevents unnecessary procedures.
- Elevated PSA levels
An elevated PSA level can be an indication of prostate cancer. An MRI can accurately determine if a tumor is present and whether it is malignant. The MRI shows if further investigation with a biopsy is needed, which can be done more precisely with MRI guidance if necessary.
- Symptoms that may indicate prostate problems
Examples include difficulty urinating, frequent urination, blood in the urine, or pain. Always contact your (general) practitioner first if you have symptoms. They can assess if further examination is needed and refer you if necessary.
How do you request a prostate MRI at MRI Centrum?
Note: If an abnormality in your prostate is detected, we recommend consulting a (general) practitioner to discuss the medical next steps. MRI Centrum does not provide recommendations on further treatment.
Elevated PSA Level
If you have concerns or symptoms, your GP may order a PSA test. This test measures the level of Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) in your blood, a protein produced exclusively by the prostate. Normally, only small amounts are present in the bloodstream. A high PSA level may indicate the need for further investigation, such as a biopsy. However, many men are apprehensive about this invasive procedure, which involves taking tissue samples from the prostate.
Using an MRI scan for early detection can help reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies and minimize the overdiagnosis and overtreatment of low-grade prostate cancer. That’s why it is often recommended to undergo an MRI scan first when PSA levels are elevated.
Prostate MRI at MRI Centrum?
- Appointment within 3 working days
- Maximum 1 week turnaround from scan to results
- Reliable results using state-of-the-art MRI scanners
- Experienced radiologists
- Patient-friendly, non-invasive MRI scan
- 57% fewer biopsies, reducing risks of complications like bleeding and infections1
- 16% less overdiagnosis and overtreatment1
- 3% more aggressive cancers detected using MRI1
Information on preparation and procedure can be found on the MRI scan page.
1https://prostaatkankerstichting.nl/mri-scan-bij-verhoogd-psa/
Prostate MRI costs
Prostate MRI without referral: €295,-*
This is not reimbursed by your health insurer if done without a referral.
*Note: This concerns a prostate MRI scan at your own request, performed to assess whether you have prostate cancer.
If you have prostate-related symptoms or have previously been treated for prostate issues, this test is not sufficient, and a more extensive examination is required. In such cases, we advise you to consult your (general) practitioner to discuss the best next steps.
FAQ
No, the MRI scan is painless.
If you don’t have a referral, you will need to pay for the scan yourself. If you do have a referral, the cost is often covered by your health insurer.
Within one week after the scan.
With a referral, the scan is often reimbursed by your health insurance provider. You can also book a scan without a referral, but in that case, the cost is not covered and must be paid out-of-pocket.
For prostate screening, an MRI scan without contrast is usually sufficient. It already provides a clear view of potential tumors and is faster and less burdensome. Contrast dye is only used if there is uncertainty about a finding or if more detail is needed.