Prostate, PSA and MRI scan - BBC 6pm news?

Harry Bloomfield

Harry Bloomfield

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This evenings news, mentioned that some London hospital was experimenting using MRI scanners to detect prostate cancer. I have an enlarged prostate, and elevated PSA values - they sent me for an MRI scan a least a couple of years back, that wasn't described as 'experimental', rather it seemed to be routine, to be sure nothing was missed. BTW, it was 'all clear'..

Is this some new/different type of MRI scan?
 
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experimenting its been pretty standard for a number of years
Think they are talkin about it being used as standard the same as the blood test which seemingly misses upto 50% of cancers .
Mate had a blood count of 3 and his cancer was pretty well advanced .
 
The problems with the PSA tests were mentioned when it was introduced. "Works" both ways. Positive and you may not be and negative when it should have been positive.

The BBC mentioned MRI for diagnosis a good while ago - problem not enough scanners. There are people who know docs socially. Listening to that grapevine several years ago they were seen as sending too many people for a scan.

I know 3 people who died from it. Curiously while under treatment in hospital. Afraid that makes me wonder about that aspect. All mid 70 - 75 and up to that point apparently ok.
 
ajohn said:
The BBC mentioned MRI for diagnosis a good while ago - problem not enough scanners. There are people who know docs socially. Listening to that grapevine several years ago they were seen as sending too many people for a scan.
Click to expand...

My point was, that the BBC seemed to be suggesting the use of MRI for diagnosis was something new, something experimental and voluntary. That seemed not to be the case here, rather it was run of the mill.
 
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Harry Bloomfield said:
My point was, that the BBC seemed to be suggesting the use of MRI for diagnosis was something new, something experimental and voluntary. That seemed not to be the case here, rather it was run of the mill.
Click to expand...
The BBC report is about large scale screening using MRI's, which would be new, it's not about one off referrals.
 
MRI`s can also miss around 5% of prostrate cancers
 
cooa99 said:
Is physical examination the way to go then?
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I 'passed' the blood test (negative) but was still concerned. My old man was treated for early signs and had radiology treatment, so I insisted on a digital exam. The doc was good craic and I'm not particularly fussed about medical issues - double glove, a bit of lube and its done and dusted.

A worse situation was when I was poorly with Campylobacter poisoning last August. When I finally found the strength to drag myself to the doc's, she insisted on a digital exam. It already resembled a blood orange and things were tender and leaking. I was actually relieved when they got the poo lab results back and diagnosed Campylo' poisoning. :mrgreen:
 
I asked and what I was told was - the physical helps them determine the size, but they can also check by feel, the surface texture. Smooth is good, rough is bad.
 
denso13 said:
The BBC report is about large scale screening using MRI's, which would be new, it's not about one off referrals.
Click to expand...
The important aspect is that they know it's the most reliable method on things like prostrate cancer. PSA is no where near as good either way with or without having the problem. Levels for instance are expected to rise with age. The test is cheap as many blood tests are.

This too was mentioned by the BBC a good while ago - problem not enough scanners.
 
I've just got my initially delayed from June, then cancelled due to being away, appointment from urology, in regard to my prostate - It's a telephone appointment. I'm not sure how that works- is this a DIY inspection and diagnosis :eek:
 
Last year I had my prostrate checked by a locum GP. He must have had short fingers as it felt like he was fist**g me. :(
 
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