Magnetic resonance imaging of the prostate.

Magnetic resonance imaging has been shown to be more accurate than other imaging modalities in the evaluation of both malignancies and various benign lesions of the prostate. Despite its superiority, because of its cost and low availability, magnetic resonance imaging should play a role as a problem-solver secondary to computed tomography or ultrasonography. The routine use of magnetic resonance imaging in the staging of prostate cancer before surgery cannot be justified on the basis of published data. Magnetic resonance imaging has been proved to be of value in the planning and delivery of different types of radiotherapy to patients with prostate cancer. Through the use of combined magnetic resonance imaging and the new modality, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, the accuracy and specificity of tumour detection and the delineation of tumour extent can be improved. Magnetic resonance technology is rapidly evolving, and in the near future, new possibilities such as biological imaging will have a great impact on magnetic resonance imaging of the prostate.