Articles · Prostate
What is an MRI fusion biopsy?
First, an MRI shows any suspicious areas in the prostate. During the biopsy, software overlays the MRI onto real-time ultrasound.
Step by step
First, an MRI shows any suspicious areas in the prostate. During the biopsy, software overlays the MRI onto real-time ultrasound. That helps guide the needle to those exact spots.
Why it is used
This can find more significant cancers than a standard biopsy alone.
How our urologists use it
Our urologists use MRI fusion for biopsies.
Next step
If you need one, schedule a visit.
Book a visit with Advanced Urology today.
Questions to bring to your visit
- Has my MRI shown any suspicious areas?
- How should I prepare for the biopsy?
What happens at your visit with us?
Bring your MRI report and PSA history. Before the biopsy, our team goes over your medicines, especially blood thinners, and gives you written instructions to follow.
When should I call us?
Call us if your PSA has risen, if an MRI showed an area of concern, or if anything in your instructions is unclear before the biopsy. Do not stop a blood thinner on your own; ask our team how it should be handled. Fever, inability to urinate or heavy bleeding after a biopsy is a reason to go to an emergency room.
How do our urologists approach this?
Our urologists combine your MRI with live ultrasound during the biopsy so the samples come from the areas that matter. A pathologist studies the samples, and our urologists explain the report with you once it is back.
Our urologists, physician assistants and nurse practitioners see adults from Alpharetta, Roswell, Milton, Crabapple and Mountain Park at our Alpharetta / Roswell office.
Related video
What a raised PSA can mean, explained by Advanced Urology:
Related reading from our team
- Robotic Prostatectomy: Who Is a Fit?
- How to Prepare for a Prostate Biopsy
- Brachytherapy Seeds for Prostate Cancer
Related care: prostate cancer care at our Alpharetta / Roswell office.
Read more from Advanced Urology: Prostate biopsy · Prostate cancer
For education, not medical advice. Every treatment has risks and benefits. Emergency? Call 911 or go to an emergency room.
Whenever you’re ready, our Alpharetta / Roswell team would be glad to hear from you.