Resonancia Multiparamétrica de Próstata 3T | HC Marbella

3-Tesla Multiparametric Prostate MRI

Detects up to 90% of clinically significant prostate cancers before biopsy

Multiparametric prostate MRI is an advanced scan that allows for a highly detailed examination of the prostate and the detection of any suspicious lesions.

It provides information on the size, location and characteristics of lesions, helping to determine whether a biopsy is necessary and to target it more precisely, avoiding unnecessary biopsies in many cases.

At HC Marbella, we perform this test using our 3-Tesla MAGNETOM Skyra MRI scanner, which offers the highest resolution currently available for this type of scan.

What is multiparametric prostate MRI?

Multiparametric MRI combines different imaging techniques to examine the prostate from various angles, allowing for a highly detailed evaluation of both its structure and the behaviour of its tissues.

Thanks to these images, the specialist can differentiate more accurately between normal tissue and any suspicious areas.

It is a painless, non-invasive test that does not use radiation.

What information does it provide?

Multiparametric MRI allows physicians to:

Examine the prostate using high-definition images.
Identify potentially suspicious lesions.
Determine the size and location of lesions.
Determine whether a potential lesion is confined to the prostate or may have spread to nearby areas.
Differentiate suspicious abnormalities from benign conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostatitis.
Perform fusion biopsies using the MRI images as a foundation to accurately target suspicious areas.
Plan the most appropriate treatment or follow-up pathway.

When is it indicated?

¿cuándo esta indicada la resonancia multiparamétrica?

The specialist may request a multiparametric MRI in situations such as:

Elevated or progressively rising PSA levels.
Abnormalities detected during a digital rectal examination.
Persistent clinical suspicion following a previous negative biopsy.
The need to localise a lesion before performing a fusion biopsy.
Assessment of the local extent of a previously diagnosed prostate cancer.
Monitoring of selected patients with low-risk prostate cancer.

European guidelines recommend performing a multiparametric MRI scan prior to biopsy in patients with suspected localised disease.

Key information prior to a prostate biopsy

Traditionally, prostate biopsies were carried out by taking samples from different areas of the gland without knowing exactly where the lesion might be located.

Multiparametric MRI allows suspicious areas to be identified in advance. These images can then be combined with real-time ultrasound to perform a fusion-guided prostate biopsy, specifically targeting the areas highlighted on the MRI scan.

This helps to obtain more representative samples and reduces the possibility of a significant lesion being missed.

Find out more about fusion biopsy

What does the PI-RADS classification mean?

The results are interpreted using the international PI-RADS system, which classifies the level of suspicion of a lesion on a scale of 1 to 5.

The scale ranges from 1 to 5:

PI-RADS 1 and 2: low probability of clinically significant cancer.
PI-RADS 3: indeterminate result.
PI-RADS 4 and 5: higher suspicion of clinically significant cancer.

Important note: the PI-RADS result is not a diagnosis in itself. Your urologist will interpret it alongside your PSA level, medical history and other clinical factors before deciding on the next step with you. In selected patients, a result showing no suspicious lesions may even allow a biopsy to be avoided or postponed, continuing solely with PSA level monitoring.

How is the test performed?

You will lie inside the scanner while the images are taken. The scan is painless and usually lasts between 30 and 45 minutes. In some cases, an intravenous contrast agent may be administered.

Before the scan, it is important that you inform us if:

You have a pacemaker, prosthesis or any metal device.
You have kidney disease.
You have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast agents.
You suffer from claustrophobia.
You have recently undergone a prostate biopsy.

The Radiology team will provide you with specific preparation instructions when your scan is scheduled.

Advantages of Multiparametric Prostate MRI

No radiationUnlike other imaging tests, it does not use ionising radiation, making it safe and allowing it to be repeated if necessary.

High-definition imagingIt allows the prostate and surrounding tissues to be examined in such detail that any areas of interest can be easily identified.

Precise localisationIt helps to determine the size and exact location of a potential lesion, rather than scanning the prostate blindly.

Guides the biopsyIf a biopsy is required, the images allow it to be targeted at specific areas of interest, rather than taking random samples.

Avoids unnecessary biopsiesPerforming this MRI scan before deciding whether to proceed with a biopsy can avoid up to 6 out of every 10 unnecessary biopsies.

Differentiates between benign and suspicious lesionsHelps distinguish between abnormalities requiring attention and benign conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostatitis.

Helps determine the next stepIt provides your urologist with the information needed to decide, together with you and with greater precision, the best course of action.

An expert team behind every image

Technology makes an important difference, but it is our clinical team that turns it into a reliable diagnosis.

With you at every stage of the test
Our radiographers will explain each step of the scan so that you feel calm and reassured.

The image is not the diagnosis
A high-quality image is only the first step. For it to become an accurate diagnosis, it is essential that it is interpreted by an expert radiologist.

One Prostate Unit, one multidisciplinary team
Urology, diagnostic imaging, oncology and radiotherapy work together within our Prostate Unit. Your case is assessed by a tumour board, where a joint decision is made on the next steps.

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Especialista realizando diagnóstico hematológico

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a high PSA level mean I have prostate cancer?

Not necessarily. PSA levels can rise for other reasons, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostatitis. An MRI scan helps your urologist assess whether this increase is due to something that requires further attention.

What does a PI-RADS 3 result mean?

It means the result is indeterminate; neither clearly benign nor clearly suspicious. Your urologist will assess this result alongside your PSA level and medical history to decide whether any further tests are required.

Do I need to fast or follow any preparation instructions?

Preparation may vary depending on the protocol used. In some cases, you may be asked to fast for a few hours or to undergo bowel preparation to reduce the contents and gas in the rectum, as these can affect the quality of the images.

The HC Marbella team will provide all the necessary instructions when scheduling your appointment.

How long does a multiparametric prostate MRI take?

The scan usually takes between 30 and 45 minutes. It is important to remain still during this time to ensure high-quality images are obtained.

What happens after I receive my results?

The radiologist will compile a detailed report setting out the findings and the PI-RADS classification of any potential lesions. The urologist will interpret the results alongside your PSA levels, medical history and other test results to decide whether monitoring, a targeted biopsy or any further investigations are required.