Utilizing Multiparametric MRI, Fusion Biopsy, and PSMA PET/CT to accurately stage prostate cancer for a precisely targeted and nerve-sparing therapeutic plan

A step by step guide to Prostate Cancer procedure steps, including PSA screening, mpMRI, and biopsy methods for accurate diagnosis and staging.

We're Here to Help.
Get in Touch.

Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.

Doctors

Diagnosis and Staging for Prostate Cancer

The diagnostic process for prostate cancer is highly systematic. It begins with simple screening tests and progresses to more complex procedures only when necessary. This step-by-step method ensures an accurate diagnosis while minimizing unnecessary invasive tests for patients.

The initial goal is to determine if the abnormal Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) level or physical exam warrants further investigation. This approach is key to the early detection of the disease when it is most curable.

Routine Screening

what is cancer staging LIV Hospital

Routine screening procedures are the first step in the Prostate Cancer procedure. These simple tests are used to find signs of potential cancer before any symptoms appear. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.

  • PSA Blood Test: This is the key non-invasive test. It measures the level of Prostate-Specific Antigen in the blood. High levels can signal cancer, infection, or non-cancerous enlargement (BPH).
  • Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): A doctor performs a physical exam to check the prostate for any lumps, hardening, or abnormalities in shape or size.

Advanced Procedures

how is cancer staged LIV Hospital

If screening tests are abnormal, advanced procedures are used to get a precise picture of the prostate and guide the next steps. These imaging techniques are crucial for modern Prostate Cancer procedural steps.

  • Multiparametric MRI (mpMRI): This advanced imaging technique provides detailed pictures of the prostate gland. It helps identify suspicious lesions that are likely to be cancer, often avoiding unnecessary biopsies.
  • Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS): An ultrasound probe is inserted into the rectum to create images of the prostate gland. This is often used during a biopsy to guide the needle precisely.

Step by Step Biopsy

The biopsy is the definitive Prostate Cancer procedure used to confirm the diagnosis. A tissue sample is taken and analyzed by a pathologist. This procedure is mandatory if cancer is strongly suspected.

Fusion Biopsy Explained

LIV Hospital specializes in the Fusion Biopsy, an advanced method for high accuracy. This procedure combines the detailed images from the mpMRI with real-time ultrasound guidance.

  • Procedure Steps: The doctor uses the pre-operative MRI images overlaid onto the live ultrasound view. This “fusion” allows the doctor to steer the biopsy needle directly to the specific suspicious area (lesion).
  • Targeted Sampling: This method ensures that the most concerning areas are sampled directly, leading to a much higher rate of accurate diagnosis compared to traditional random sampling.
cancer

What to Expect about the Diagnostic Procedure

Most diagnostic procedures, including the biopsy, are performed on an outpatient basis. Knowing the steps helps alleviate anxiety. The primary focus is on accuracy and patient comfort.

The biopsy is typically performed under light sedation and local anesthesia to minimize pain. You may feel pressure, but sharp pain is avoided. The entire tissue collection process is usually completed within an hour.

How to Prepare for the Procedure

Preparation for a biopsy is essential for safety. Following these pre-test preparation requirements minimizes the risk of bleeding and infection.

  • Medication Review: You must stop taking blood-thinning medications (like aspirin, ibuprofen, or certain supplements) several days before the biopsy.
  • Antibiotics: Antibiotics are prescribed to be taken before and immediately after the procedure to prevent infection, as the procedure involves sampling the prostate near the rectum.
  • Bowel Prep: You may be asked to use a small enema or laxative before the procedure to clean the lower rectum, ensuring a sterile environment.

Post-Test Expectations Timeline

The waiting period for biopsy results can be stressful. Knowing the timeline helps manage expectations and plan for the next steps in treatment.

  • Biopsy Results: The pathology report, including the critical Gleason Score, usually takes 5 to 10 business days. This detailed analysis is necessary for accurate grading.
  • Treatment Plan: Once the pathologist provides the complete results and grading, the multidisciplinary tumor board reviews the case. A final treatment plan is typically formulated within one to two weeks.

Understanding the Test Results

After the biopsy, the pathologist’s report provides the two most critical pieces of information. Understanding your Prostate Cancer procedures depends on these results.

  • Gleason Score/Grade Group: This grading system describes how aggressive the cancer cells look. A lower score (Grade Group 1) is slow-growing; a higher score (Grade Group 5) is aggressive.
  • Stage: Further imaging (CT/Bone Scans) determines the stage—whether the cancer is confined to the prostate (localized) or has spread to lymph nodes or bones (metastatic).

When Should You Go For a Procedure?

You should go for a diagnostic Prostate Cancer procedure (biopsy) when your routine screening results are highly suspicious.

  • High PSA: A rapidly rising PSA level or a consistently high number.
  • Abnormal DRE: A lump or hardness felt on the prostate during the physical exam.
  • Positive mpMRI: A suspicious lesion was identified on the Multiparametric MRI scan.

Imaging Techniques Used

Advanced imaging is used both for screening and guiding the definitive diagnostic steps.

  • CT and Bone Scans: Used after a cancer diagnosis to check for spread to other parts of the body (staging).
  • PSMA PET Scan: A newer, highly sensitive imaging technique used for high-risk or recurrent cancer to locate even small, hidden areas of spread in the body.

Are Prostate Cancer Procedures Painful?

The most invasive diagnostic procedure, the biopsy, is not typically painful because local anesthesia is used. You may feel slight pressure and hear clicking sounds from the biopsy instrument. Post-procedure, mild soreness or discomfort in the rectum is common and managed with over-the-counter pain medication.

30 Years of
Excellence

Trusted Worldwide

With patients from across the globe, we bring over three decades of medical

Book a Free Certified Online
Doctor Consultation

Clinics/branches

Was this article helpful?

Was this article helpful?

We're Here to Help.
Get in Touch.

Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.

Doctors

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What Procedures are used to treat Prostate Cancer conditions?

Treatment procedures include active surveillance, surgery (radical prostatectomy), radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy.

Preparation for a biopsy involves taking prescribed antibiotics, stopping blood thinners, and performing a cleansing enema the day before the procedure.

Diagnostic procedures like the Fusion Biopsy are not painful because local anesthesia is used. Mild post-procedure soreness is expected but easily managed.

Diagnostic accuracy is very high, especially with mpMRI-Fusion Biopsy. Treatment accuracy is high, with robotic surgery ensuring precise removal of the prostate.

You need advanced procedures (mpMRI, Fusion Biopsy) if your PSA level is high or rising, or if a physical exam reveals a suspicious lump.

Spine Hospital of Louisiana

Let's Talk About Your Health

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE...

Leave your phone number and our medical team will call you back to discuss your healthcare needs and answer all your questions.

Let's Talk About Your Health

Let's Talk About Your Health

Leave your phone number and our medical team will call you back to discuss your healthcare needs and answer all your questions.

Let's Talk About Your Health

How helpful was it?

helpful
helpful
helpful
Your Comparison List (you must select at least 2 packages)