Men’s Imaging
At Apex Radiology, we recognise the need for specialised Men’s imaging services. We provide diagnostic testing for symptomatic and asymptomatic conditions throughout all stages of life.
At Apex Radiology, we recognise the need for specialised Men’s imaging services. We provide diagnostic testing for symptomatic and asymptomatic conditions throughout all stages of life.
Apex Radiology provides extensive and specialised services dedicated to the unique health care needs of men. Our sub-specialised Radiologists are highly skilled and experienced in men’s imaging and continue to develop their knowledge through supported professional development programs. They work closely with referring practitioners to provide each patient with expert, safe, accurate and individualised care.
Prostate Multi-Parametric MRI is a non-invasive examination that has emerged recently as the best examination available for detecting and provide information about prostate concerns including significant (‘harmful’) prostate cancer earlier.
If a patient’s PSA is elevated, it is considered by Urologists to be advantageous to have an MRI prior to a biopsy for the investigation of prostate cancer. In some patients MRI can be so convincingly negative that we can say more reliably than with biopsy that there is no significant cancer in the prostate. This means the Urologist may decide not to proceed to a biopsy. The MRI will in essence give a clear diagnosis. The Urologist may still proceed to a biopsy and the MRI imaging and report will add considerably to the certainty that a significant cancer is not missed by the biopsy.
It also enables accurate evaluation of spread outside the prostate gland which is important when it comes to treatment options. Understanding the extent of disease enables the surgeon to determine whether it is possible to preserve the delicate arteries and nerves which are essential for maintaining sexual function and bladder control.
A PSMA PET-CT scan is used in patients with prostate cancer to help diagnose and stage the disease. A PSMA PET-CT scan can be performed in the initial staging of prostate cancer patients to diagnose the extent of disease (metastatic spread) or in assessment of patients with suspected recurrent disease when their PSA (biochemical marker) is rising.
Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen, or PSMA, is a receptor found on the surface of the prostate gland. Prostate cancer that has spread to other areas of the body also has an increase in the amount of PSMA receptor present.
Ga68 (Gallium 68) PSMA PET/CT utilises a PSMA module that attaches to this receptor on the surface of the cancer cells. This PSMA molecule is bound to the radionuclide Ga68. Ga68 emits gamma radiation which is detected by a PET/CT scanner. This enables us to image the distribution of any prostate cancer within the body.
The term cardiovascular disease is used to describe disease affecting the heart or arteries, which could lead to heart attack, stroke and blood vessel disease. Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of deaths in Australia. Men are twice as likely as females to be affected by coronary artery disease. Apex Radiology offers a full range of medical imaging services for diagnosing cardiovascular imaging for screening and diagnosis.
Ultrasound imaging of the scrotum provides valuable anatomical and pathological information about the testes, epididymis and scrotum using high-frequency ultrasound, which is safe and painless. Ultrasound is typically used to assess the cause of pain, swelling, infertility or a palpable lump. In babies and infants, ultrasound can search for undescended testes.
Sudden onset of pain in the scrotum is a serious condition that should be investigated immediately to rule out testicular torsion, when the spermatic cord twists and reduces blood supply to the scrotum. Testicular torsion requires immediate surgery to avoid any permanent damage to the torted testis.
Ultrasound of the prostate uses sound waves to produce pictures of the prostate gland and to help diagnose symptoms such as difficulty urinating or an elevated blood test result. It’s also used to investigate a nodule found during a rectal exam, detect abnormalities, and determine whether the gland is enlarged. Ultrasound is safe, non-invasive, and does not use ionizing radiation.
Although breast cancer is a rare condition in men, Apex Radiology provides a comprehensive breast imaging service for both men and women. The same level of privacy and expert care is provided to men, who could get breast cancer and might need diagnostic testing. If you notice any unusual signs or symptoms, such as a breast lump, speak to your doctor about your concerns.