Skip to content 
Photo Credit-Phushutter-adobestock
A Prostate MRI has become a critical step in modern prostate cancer evaluation. In this video, board‑certified urologist Dr. Kia Michel, MD, explains why an MRI of the prostate should be performed before a biopsy and how it has transformed the accuracy of prostate cancer detection. Drawing on over 20 years of experience and his leadership at Comprehensive Urology in Beverly Hills, Dr. Michel outlines how MRI‑guided care helps find significant cancers while reducing unnecessary harm.
Video Description
In this video, Dr. Kia Michel explains the evolution of prostate cancer diagnosis and why a Prostate MRI is now considered best practice before undergoing a biopsy. Historically, PSA testing alone often led to blind prostate biopsies, where tissue samples were taken randomly throughout the prostate. While this approach sometimes detected cancer, it frequently missed aggressive tumors and exposed patients to unnecessary risks.
Dr. Michel discusses how an MRI of the prostate has changed this approach. With advanced imaging, physicians can now clearly identify suspicious areas within the prostate that are more likely to contain clinically significant cancer. This allows urologists to perform targeted biopsies rather than random sampling, dramatically improving diagnostic accuracy.
He also explains the importance of MRI‑ultrasound fusion biopsy technology. By combining MRI images with real‑time ultrasound guidance, urologists can precisely target areas of concern. This approach not only increases the detection of aggressive prostate cancers but also helps avoid overdiagnosis of low‑risk disease that may not require treatment.
At Comprehensive Urology, Dr. Michel and his team use prostate MRI as part of a patient‑centered, evidence‑based approach to prostate cancer care. Their goal is to identify the cancers that truly matter while minimizing complications and anxiety for patients. Make an appointment with our team today to find out if the Tulsa Procedure is right for you. You can also read more about Comprehensive Urology’s services here at our Urologist’s Desk Blog to explore additional prostate cancer treatment options.
Also, read our in-depth guide: MRI Fusion Prostate Biopsy.
Video Summary
- PSA testing alone often led to blind prostate biopsies
- Prostate MRI identifies suspicious, high‑risk cancer areas
- MRI‑guided targeted biopsies improve cancer detection
- Fusion biopsy technology increases accuracy and safety
- MRI helps reduce unnecessary biopsies and patient harm
FAQ Snippet
Why should a prostate MRI be done before a biopsy?
Dr. Michel explains that prostate MRI helps locate important cancers so biopsies can be targeted and more accurate.
Does a prostate MRI replace a biopsy?
No, but it guides the biopsy to improve results and reduce missed cancers.
Medically Reviewed By
Written By: Kia Michel, MD, Board-Certified Urologist, Urological Surgeon, & Sexual Health Specialist
Medically Reviewed By: Robert Sanford, MD, Board-Certified Urologist, Urological Surgeon, & Sexual Health Specialist
Last Reviewed On: January 29, 2026
How We Review Medical Content: Dr. Michel reviews all references for clinical accuracy and relevance, and Dr. Robert Sanford peer‑reviews the data to ensure the most up‑to‑date, evidence‑based information is presented.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please contact a licensed physician regarding your specific case.
Kia Michel, MD
Written by Dr. Kia Michel, a board certified urologist, surgeon, and founding member of Comprehensive Urology in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles. Dr. Michel's expertise includes focal therapy (HIFU/TULSA), prostate cancer treatment, robotic surgery, and male enhancement treatments such as Shock Wave Treatment for ED and penile injections.
Read Next
- MRI Fusion Prostate Biopsies – Learn how MRI‑ultrasound fusion technology overlays multiparametric MRI with real‑time ultrasound to precisely target suspicious prostate lesions and improve detection of clinically significant prostate cancer.
- PSA Test for Prostate Cancer – Understand how prostate‑specific antigen (PSA) testing works as an early warning indicator for prostate cancer and when elevated PSA levels warrant further imaging like prostate MRI.
- Prostate Cancer Treatment in Los Angeles – Explore comprehensive prostate cancer diagnosis and advanced treatment options in Beverly Hills, including focal therapy, robotic surgery, and personalized care plans.
References
- Michel K. Prostate MRI Explained: Why MRI Before Biopsy Is Best Practice. Comprehensive Urology, Beverly Hills, CA.
Available at: https://comprehensive-urology.com/video/prostate-mri-explained/
– Dr. Kia Michel discusses how prostate MRI before biopsy improves detection of aggressive cancers while reducing unnecessary random biopsies. - American Urological Association (AUA) Early Detection of Prostate Cancer Guideline
Available at: https://www.auanet.org/guidelines-and-quality/guidelines/prostate-cancer-early-detection-guideline
– Recommends risk‑stratified screening and supports the use of multiparametric prostate MRI prior to biopsy. - National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Guidelines® for Prostate Cancer Early Detection
Available at: https://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/prostate_detection.pdf
– Endorses prostate MRI to identify suspicious, high‑risk lesions before proceeding with biopsy. - Ahmed HU, et al. Diagnostic accuracy of multi-parametric MRI and TRUS biopsy in prostate cancer (PROMIS Study). The Lancet.
Available at: https://www.thelancet.com/article/S0140-6736(17)32401-1/fulltext
– Demonstrated that multiparametric MRI improves detection of clinically significant prostate cancer and may reduce unnecessary biopsies. - Siddiqui MM, et al. Comparison of MRI/Ultrasound Fusion–Guided Biopsy With Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy for the Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer. JAMA.
Available at: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/1895833
– Shows that MRI‑ultrasound fusion biopsy increases detection of aggressive prostate cancer compared with standard random biopsy. - American College of Radiology (ACR) PI‑RADS® Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System
Available at: https://www.acr.org/Clinical-Resources/Reporting-and-Data-Systems/PI-RADS
– Establishes standardized criteria for interpreting prostate MRI findings and guiding targeted biopsy decisions.
Dr. Kia Michel, MD – Board‑Certified Urologist in Beverly Hills
Available at: https://comprehensive-urology.com/our-team/kia-michel-md/
– Highlights Dr. Michel’s expertise in MRI‑guided prostate biopsy, prostate cancer diagnosis, and advanced urologic surgery in Los Angeles.