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The importance of MRI evaluation in the preoperative work-up of prostate cancer

Abstract

Background A 59-year-old man on exogenous androgen therapy presented with a clinically palpable prostate nodule confined to one lobe on endorectal examination. Serum prostate-specific antigen was 3.4 ng/ml. Bone scintigraphy and baseline CT were reportedly negative.

Investigations Physical examination, laboratory evaluation, endorectal MRI of the prostate, cystoscopy and biopsy.

Diagnosis Poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the prostate, with invasion of the urinary bladder.

Management Neoadjuvant hormonal therapy, followed by radiation.

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Figure 1: MRI scans of the prostate obtained before treatment start.
Figure 2: Histopathology of the prostate.
Figure 3: MRI scans of the prostate obtained following radiation and hormonal therapy.
Figure 4: National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines.

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Correspondence to Scott R Gerst.

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Gerst, S., Touijer, A., Guillonneau, B. et al. The importance of MRI evaluation in the preoperative work-up of prostate cancer. Nat Rev Urol 2, 565–571 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1038/ncpuro0328

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