What Is a Prostate MRI?
A prostate MRI is a non-invasive imaging test that provides detailed, high-resolution images of the prostate gland. It’s often used when a man has an elevated PSA (prostate-specific antigen) level to help determine whether a biopsy is needed or to better target concerning areas of the prostate.
Important: Prostate MRIs should be performed using a 3 Tesla (3T) MRI machine, which offers high resolution to reliably evaluate a small organ such as the prostate.
Why Might I Need a Prostate MRI?
Your urologists may order you a prostate MRI if:
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Your PSA is elevated or rising
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You’ve had a prior negative biopsy but PSA remains high
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You’re being monitored for low-risk prostate cancer
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Your doctor wants to avoid an unnecessary biopsy
MRI helps identify suspicious areas and can reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies.
What Happens During the MRI?
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You’ll lie on a table that slides into the MRI scanner.
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The scan takes about 30–45 minutes.
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A contrast dye may be injected through an IV to enhance the images.
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The scan is painless and uses no radiation.
Where to Get a 3T Prostate MRI in Maine
Prostate MRIs should be done at facilities with 3T MRI machines and radiologists experienced in interpreting prostate imaging. In Maine, the only two locations include:
What Happens After the MRI?
Your MRI will be reviewed by a radiologist and assigned a PI-RADS score, which helps estimate the likelihood of clinically significant prostate cancer:
Based on a meta-analysis published in Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases (Nature, 2021)
| PI-RADS Score | Detection Rate of Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer | 95% Confidence Interval |
|---|---|---|
| PI-RADS 1 | 2% | 0–8% |
| PI-RADS 2 | 4% | 1–9% |
| PI-RADS 3 | 20% | 13–27% |
| PI-RADS 4 | 52% | 43–61% |
| PI-RADS 5 | 89% | 76–97% |
Your urologist will review the results with you and decide whether a targeted biopsy is needed. In most circumstances, a PIRADs 4 or 5 requires a biopsy. PIRADs 3 lesions typically can be biopsied or observed depending on the whole clinical picture.
Can a Prostate MRI Miss Cancer?
Yes, while prostate MRI is highly accurate, it’s not perfect:
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False negatives occur in about 10–15% of cases.
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Some men with a clean MRI may still need a biopsy—especially if their PSA density (PSA level divided by prostate volume) is high.
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MRI also helps us measure prostate size, which is essential for calculating PSA density and guiding treatment.
Schedule Your Evaluation
If you’ve had an elevated PSA or are concerned about prostate cancer, a 3T prostate MRI can provide clarity and help avoid unnecessary procedures.
Call us at 207-518-6600 or request an appointment online.
