MRI Fusion Biopsy: Why It’s Done and What to Expect

MRI fusion biopsy uses the latest state-of-the-art technology to examine the prostate gland and take a tissue sample. This test combines two types of imaging: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound. 

Combining the two technologies provides an intricately detailed image of your prostate gland. This superior level of detail allows for highly precise collection of a prostate tissue sample using a needle. Then, we examine the suspicious cells in a lab, which helps make the most accurate diagnosis at the earliest stage possible. 

At David B. Samadi, MD, the practice of renowned board-certified and fellowship-trained urologist Dr. Samadi, we provide comprehensive prostate care in our Midtown Manhattan office in New York City. 

If Dr. Samadi recommends an MRI fusion biopsy, we want you to understand why you need it and what you can expect. For this month’s blog, we’re covering both topics so you can head into your procedure feeling confident. Here’s what you should know. 

Reasons you may need an MRI fusion biopsy

Reasons that Dr. Samadi might request an MRI fusion biopsy include: 

• Investigating the cause of elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood levels
• Determining the cause of a lump or bump (detected during a digital rectal exam)
• Finding out if cancer is slow- or fast-growing after a regular MRI or transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) 
• Monitoring prostate cancer

MRI fusion biopsy may also help detect other problems with the prostate gland. For example, benign prostatic hyperplasia (an enlarged prostate) can, like prostate cancer, cause elevated PSA levels. MRI fusion biopsy can help Dr. Samadi pinpoints the true source of the issue. 

What to expect during your MRI fusion biopsy 

Before the procedure, at a separate appointment, you have the MRI portion of the exam. That involves lying flat as a tube surrounds the lower part of your body. Many images of your prostate are gathered during this visit, which takes about 30-45 minutes. 

MRI fusion biopsy is an office-based procedure performed by Dr. Samadi in our Midtown Manhattan office. First, you receive a local anesthetic around your rectum for optimal comfort. You won’t go to sleep for the procedure. 

Dr. Samadi gathers ultrasound images using a thin rectal probe. He layers the previous MRI images atop your live ultrasound images, creating an extremely detailed blueprint of your prostate gland. This allows Dr. Samadi to guide a needle to the precise areas of concern and gather tissue samples. 

The MRI fusion biopsy process takes only about 15 minutes in the office. You can head home afterward, and go about your day without any restrictions. 

After your MRI fusion biopsy procedure

Your tissue samples are analyzed by our lab, and Dr. Samadi evaluates all the information as a whole to make a diagnosis or monitor your condition. At your next visit, he explains what your MRI fusion biopsy results mean and, if you need treatment, recommends the best approach for your situation (or, if appropriate, helps you make sense of your options).

MRI fusion biopsy can provide the most accurate diagnosis, help you get treatment earlier, or, help you avoid treatment you don’t need. As an elite urologist with specialized training in this area, Dr. Samadi is one of New York City’s most renowned MRI fusion biopsy experts. 

We’re in the Midtown Manhattan office five days a week, and Dr. Samadi is at St. Francis Hospital and Heart Center in East Hills, New York (Long Island) one day a week. Give us a call today, or schedule your consultation with our online booking feature at your convenience.