doctor and patient

MRI prostaat

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men over the age of 55. It develops when a malignant tumor forms in the prostate, a gland located between the bladder and the urethra that produces seminal fluid. In the Netherlands, approximately 13,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year—that’s 1 in 10 men. The chances of successful treatment are higher when the cancer is detected early. MRI scans of the prostate are playing an increasingly important role in early detection.

Request a prostate MRI          The MRI is performed by our partner MRI Centrum.  

What is an MRI scan of the prostate  

An MRI scan provides a detailed image of the prostate, allowing possible abnormalities to be identified. Radiologists can then determine if further investigation is necessary.

Research¹ shows that in 30–40% of men with elevated PSA levels who undergo an MRI, a biopsy is often not needed (PIRADS 1-2). In these cases, the MRI either shows no abnormalities or no aggressive form of cancer that requires treatment.

Thanks to the MRI scan, prostate cancer can be detected more easily or ruled out with greater confidence. Because the MRI is less invasive than taking biopsies, men generally find the procedure more comfortable and less stressful. The MRI scan takes about 15–25 minutes

1Gerichte mpMRI-biopsie bij verdenking op prostaatkanker: hogere opsporing van relevante tumoren en minder overdiagnose

For those seeking early detection

Early detection of prostate cancer can help avoid unnecessary procedures and increases the chances of successful treatment.

Elevated PSA levels

An elevated PSA level can be an indication of prostate cancer. An MRI scan can accurately determine whether a tumor is present and whether it is malignant. The MRI also helps assess whether a follow-up biopsy is necessary. If so, the MRI makes it possible to perform this more precisely.

Symptoms that may indicate prostate issues

These may include frequent urination, difficulty urinating, blood in the urine, or pain. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, always contact your (family) doctor first. They can assess whether further investigation is needed and refer you for additional testing if necessary.

Proces Zelfaanvraag MRI prostaat

Zorgpad prostaat

Please note: If we detect an abnormality in your prostate, we recommend that you contact your (general) physician to discuss what the next medical steps may be. MRI Centrum does not advise on or determine any further treatment.

 

Request a prostate MRI      The MRI is performed by our partner MRI Centrum.  

 

man krijgt medische uitslag van arts

Elevated PSA levels

If you have symptoms or concerns, your general practitioner (GP) may order a PSA test. This test measures the level of Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) in your blood—a protein produced only by the prostate. Normally, only small amounts of PSA are present in the bloodstream. An elevated PSA level may be a reason to consider further investigation, such as a biopsy.

Since a biopsy involves taking small tissue samples from the prostate, many men are understandably hesitant about undergoing this invasive procedure.

Early detection—through the use of a prostate MRI scan—can help reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies. It also helps prevent overdiagnosis and, as a result, overtreatment of low-grade prostate cancer.

That’s why, in the case of an elevated PSA level, the recommended next step is usually to have an MRI scan first.

MRI prostate

  • Appointment within 3 working days

  • Time from examination to results is a maximum of 1 week

  • Reliable results using a state-of-the-art MRI scan

  • Interpreted by experienced radiologists

  • The MRI scan is patient-friendly and non-invasive

  • 57% fewer biopsies, resulting in a lower risk of complications such as bleeding and infections¹

  • 16% less overdiagnosis and overtreatment¹

  • 3% more aggressive cancers detected with an MRI scan¹

You can find information about how to prepare for the examination and what to expect during the procedure on the MRI scan page.

1https://prostaatkankerstichting.nl/mri-scan-bij-verhoogd-psa/

Cost of Prostate MRI

Prostate MRI without referral: € 295,-*

If you do not have a referral, this examination is not covered by your health insurance.

* Please note: This is a prostate MRI performed at your own request to assess whether you may have prostate cancer.
If you have previously received treatment for your prostate or if you have prostate-related symptoms, this examination may not be sufficient and a more comprehensive assessment may be required. In that case, we recommend making an appointment with your (general) physician to discuss the most appropriate next steps.

 

Request a prostate MRI          The MRI is performed by our partner MRI Centrum.  

 

koptelefoon

Podcast

Want to learn more about the early detection of prostate cancer? Listen to the podcast,
or read it here. 

This podcast was created in collaboration with the Prostate Cancer Foundation.

Veelgestelde vragen

Is een MRI prostaat pijnlijk?
Nee, de MRI is pijnloos.
Heb ik een verwijzing nodig?
Heeft u een verwijzing? Dan wordt deze vaak vergoed door uw zorgverzekeraar.
Hoe snel krijg ik de uitslag?
Binnen 1 week na het onderzoek.
Wordt het vergoed?
Heeft u een verwijzing? Dan wordt het onderzoek vaak vergoed door uw zorgverzekeraar. U kunt zonder verwijzing ook bij ons terecht. Heeft u geen verwijzing? Dan wordt deze niet vergoed door uw zorgverzekeraar en betaalt u het onderzoek zelf.
Wordt er contrastvloeistof toegediend tijdens een MRI van de prostaat?
Voor een prostaatscreening is een MRI-scan zonder contrast meestal voldoende. Dit geeft al een goed beeld van mogelijke tumoren, is sneller en minder belastend. Contrastvloeistof wordt alleen toegediend als er twijfel is over een afwijking of als er meer detail nodig is.