MRI and Cancer: Early Diagnosis through MRI may Lead to Early Recovery

An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) detects cancer cells by using radio waves and powerful magnets that pour out detailed images of tissue and organs. This noninvasive method is popular because there are so few side effects for the patient. 

 

A physician will order this sort of imaging scan if they suspect a solid cancer such as in the organs, brain or the bones. This method of imaging is effective, as it can separate what is healthy tissue and what is cancerous tissue. This images show the size and shape of a tumor and help the doctor pinpoint where it is located and what stage the cancer is in.

For specific images, this scan is sometimes ordered to be taken with an IV dye (contrast medium) attached to the patient’s arm. Because the imaging uses magnets, all metal jewelry must be removed from the patient. After preparing for at least an hour without food or drink, the patient slides into the long, tubular machine and for about the next hour, the images are made.

The machine is quite loud and clattering and some patients may experience a bit of claustrophobia. While an MRI scan is a very reliable tool in finding cancer, occasional errors may occur. This type of scan can be very sensitive to coughing, breathing or even swallowing by the patient and even the slightest movement can show as an error on the films. This is often why a biopsy will be followed up after a suspected cancer detection.

Despite this, MRI scans remain to be a popular and trusted method of diagnosing cancer, mostly due to its accuracy.