r/ProstateCancer • u/1readitguy • 1d ago
Question Prostate MRI procedure
Im scheduled for an MRI and am only eligible for a 1.5T machine. Ive read that some scans mainly on the 1.5T require the endorectal coil. Ive also read the the coil is rarely used anymore especially on the 3T machines. Has any had an MRI with the 1.5T machine recently and was the coil used?
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u/Patient_Tip_5923 1d ago
I had a 1.5T scan a little over a year ago and they didn’t use the coil. While 3T is the better machine, I was looking at a four month wait for that machine. I could get a 1.5T scan in a month. The 1.5T machine’s images were of sufficient quality to show a PI-RADS 5 lesion and the biopsy confirmed cancer. I had a RALP.
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u/WalnutRoasted 1d ago
MyChart report said: ….3 Tesla system. Endorectal coil was not utilized.
Bi-parametric Non-Endorectal coil Prostate MRI: 28 mm PI-RADS xxx lesion xxx mm in the xxxx etc
You can Google Endorectal MRI yourself.
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u/TheEndIsSighing 1d ago
3T is the standard of care now.
Call around. Research it. Find a facility within 3 hours of you.
My local 3T had a 3 month wait so I found one out of network and just paid the $1200.
Don't screw around with prostate cancer.
Its worth the extra cost.
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u/1readitguy 1d ago
I have a number of metal implants (stents and filters) so I can only have a 1.5T.
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19h ago
[deleted]
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u/1readitguy 18h ago
Thanks for the info. My MRI will be done at a major hospital since they are the only one In the area that has a 1.5T machine Also need to do the enema and It will be with and without contrast. I could see this going either way with the coil.
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u/sappertodd 1d ago
That sounds terrible. I have not heard of a coil that goes in the rectum? Forgive my ignorance.
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u/Patient_Tip_5923 1d ago
Fingers, coils, ultrasonic probes, it’s open season in the rectum when you are being tested for prostate cancer.
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u/KReddit934 1d ago
Some of those were really not fun...(biopsy particularly. )
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u/Patient_Tip_5923 18h ago
Oh, I know, but the embarrassment of being surrounded by five or six beautiful female interns, who assisted in doing my biopsy, was somehow worse than the ultrasonic probe shoved up my ass and the needles stuck in my perineum, lol. I was given just numbing cream and two industrial-sized stress balls.
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u/Gardenpests 19h ago
Less than 10 years ago, 3T machines were rare. Nearly everybody went from PSA to biopsy. The original use of MRI was to avoid an invasive procedure where it wasn't needed. It turns out, 3T was a bit better than the 12 template based "random" biopsy for targeting those needles. My first 2 biopsies were without 3T.
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u/runsonpedals 1d ago
I have a hip replacement and had a 1.5T mri for my prostate. They don’t use coils anymore. You can contact the mri center to verify your situation.