Getting Diagnosed

Going through further testing and a diagnosis can be both physically and emotionally challenging. If possible, have someone close to you attend the appointments with you, to help recall the discussions. It can also help to write down questions you would like answered, and to make notes of the information you receive. If all parties agree, you might like to record the discussion on your mobile device.

MRI – Magnetic Resonance Imaging 
An MRI scan is ordered to assess the prostate size and look for any abnormal areas. It is used to determine the likelihood that cancer is present in the prostate and which part of the prostate is affected. An MRI is performed as an outpatient procedure, without the need to be admitted to a hospital. Patients lie on a special bed that passes through a narrow tunnel while the scans are being taken. If they experience claustrophobia, they may require sedation for this scan. It is important to tell the doctor about any metallic implants (e.g. screws or plates) in your body or medical devices (e.g. pacemaker or cochlear implant), or if you have had joint surgery.

Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging (mpMRI)
Is a more accurate and detailed MRI scan that combines the results of at least three different scanning techniques to get a clearer picture of the prostate. Not all DHBs in New Zealand will provide funded MRI scans but they are available for a reasonable cost in private clinics.

Biopsy
A biopsy is a surgical procedure where a needle is used to remove multiple small samples of tissue from the prostate. There are two ways the procedure can be performed:

• Transrectal ultrasound [TRUS] biopsy, which can be done under local anaesthetic in a consulting room or in a hospital.
• Transperineal biopsy – through the perineum, performed in hospital under general anaesthetic.

The biopsy samples will be sent to a pathology laboratory to be examined where the pathologist will determine if there are cancer cells present in the sample. This is how a definitive diagnosis of prostate cancer can be made. If the biopsy does not show any cancer, patients will probably be monitored with regular ongoing check-ups and repeat PSA tests and, if necessary, may need another biopsy or an MRI scan at a later date. A biopsy report that confirms the presence of cancer will provide information about the type of cancer present.

CT (Computerised tomography) Scan
A CT scan uses X-ray beams to create detailed images of the inside of the body. The scan may be done to show where in the body the cancer has spread, based on locating abnormal features such as enlarged lymph nodes or bony outgrowths.

PSMA-PET scan
PSMA stands for prostate specific membrane antigen, a protein found on the surface of prostate cells. A PSMA-PET scan (also known as a ‘gallium’ scan or an ‘F18’ scan) involves injecting a radioactive substance attached to a molecule that can stick to PSMA in the body. This is a very sensitive and accurate way to image and accurately locate prostate cancer wherever it is in the body as cancer cells can show up brighter on the operator’s screen during the scan. It is typically used to see if cancer cells have migrated away from the prostate gland and formed metastases in other sites. Not all DHBs in New Zealand will provide funded PSMA-PET scans but they are available in private clinics.

Bone scan
This involves injecting a weak radioactive substance into the body to see if there are cancer cells damaging the bone. A positive scan may not mean you have prostate cancer – it can also be due to other causes of bone damage such as an old fracture or inflammation.

Once the urologis have the results of the various tests a more accurate diagnosis can be made and the treatment options assessed. There are two main criteria that will be considered:

1. Grade. This assesses the aggressiveness of the cancer cells and how quickly they are expected to grow. A pathologist works out the grade based on the biopsy results. Low grade cancers usually grow slowly and are less likely to spread. Higher grade cancers are more likely to grow quickly and spread to other parts of the body. There are two systems used for grading prostate cancer cells – the Gleason and ISUP grades.
   
2. Stage. This describes the cancer’s size and whether it has spread beyond the prostate. The stage is based on the digital rectal rectal examination and results of imaging scans such as CT, MRI, bone scan and PSMA-PET scans. The amount the cancer has spread gives an indication of how extensive the cancer is.
   
   Localised cancer (T1 and T2) remain within the prostate gland are potentially curable with surgery and radiation therapy.Localised advanced cancer may include seminal vesicles (T3) and, rectum, bladder, local lymph nodes and pelvic wall (T4). These cancers are potentially curable with surgery and radiation therapy.Metastatic cancer has spread / metastasised to lymph nodes outside of the pelvis or to bones or other organs. These Stage 4 cancers are not curable by surgery or radiation therapy.

Following a prostate cancer diagnosis most people want to know whether their cancer can be successfully treated. The outcome of the treatment will depend on several things such as the type of cancer and whether it has spread, how quickly it grows, and how well the treatment works. If the prostate cancer is localised to the prostate gland, it is sometimes slow growing and may never need treatment. Other localised prostate cancers do require treatment and often is it possible to successfully get rid of the cancer. If the cancer has spread outside of the prostate gland, treatments can often keep it under control for many years. 

It can be valuable to get a second opinion about the results and treatment options. This doesn't mean you have less faith in your doctor, but talking it through with another doctor or health professional who understands prostate cancer can help clear up any concerns, and help you understand the best treatment and support options for you.