ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the ability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the most common noncutaneous malignancy in the United States with an estimated 161,360 cases and 26,370 deaths in 2017. MRI can be used for staging, surgical planning, radiation therapy planning, observation of patients on active surveillance, and the detection of local recurrence after treatment. T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) defines anatomy, assists in the detection of clinically significant cancer, and helps determine staging. Spin-echo T2WI has poor signal-to-noise and long imaging duration resulting in poor accuracy. Unenhanced T1-weighted imaging is predominately used to evaluate hemorrhage within the prostate as it can confound the detection of prostate cancer. It is otherwise useful in the detection of prostate cancer. MRI-guided fusion biopsy leads to improved detection of clinically significant prostate cancer.
