Milford – Milford Regional Medical Center now offers two, new breakthrough technologies for detecting prostate cancers that may have been previously missed using standard ultrasound-guided biopsies. The Medical Center is the first in the region to offer this targeted, leading-edge approach to the detection and management of prostate cancer through the use of multiparametric MRI and 3D MRI/Ultrasound Fusion Biopsy.
Conventional prostate biopsy techniques are referred to as “blind” biopsies since physicians typically cannot easily view the specific location of any abnormal tissue. Now, using the revolutionary Artemis 3D imaging and navigation system, physicians are able to better identify and more accurately biopsy suspicious prostate cancer areas.
The 3D MRI/Ultrasound Fusion (or MR/US Fusion) targeted biopsy procedure starts with the patient undergoing a multiparametric MRI. This advanced imaging technology has the ability to detect otherwise invisible cancers within the prostate.
Using magnetic waves, this painless radiological exam may now detect an abnormal area in the prostate, previously invisible on the ultrasound images, in order to provide a more accurate target for a biopsy. These MRI images are then fused with real-time ultrasound images to create a detailed 3D high-definition map of the prostate. This allows the physician to accurately target any visible lesions during the biopsy. Biopsy images can then be permanently downloaded to the patient’s electronic medical record and are invaluable in planning future surgery, radioactive seed placement or external beam radiation to cure the cancer.
Patients recommended for this procedure are men who, typically, have elevated and/or rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels or those with a clinical concern for prostate cancer.
For more information on 3D MRI/Ultrasound Fusion Biopsy at Milford Regional, call Dr. Jeffrey Steinberg, Urology Specialists of Milford, LLC at 508-473-6333.
