Cancer is often a disease of debate, we often get many questions in our heads about cancer as how it can be detected, if the procedure would be painful, or how should I prepare before going for its scan and diagnosis. We...
MRI stands for Magnetic resonance imaging. It is a type of scan that uses magnetism and radio waves and produces images of the inside of the body at different angles showing soft tissues very clearly.
MRI is a painless imaging technique used to find and pinpoint some cancers. An MRI contrast dye is the best way to see brain and spinal cord tumors. It uses an MRI contrast dye which helps in diagnosing, staging and treatment planning.
What Does MRI Scans Show?
MRI procedure uses magnets to make images and not radiation. The scan images produced by MRI show as cross-sectional pictures of the inside of your body. The cross-sectional views are taken from different angles, from front, from side, or from above your head. It creates images of soft tissues of the body that are hard to see using other imaging techniques.
A Doctor can read MRI scan images and predict if the tumorous mass is a cancerous or noncancerous mass.
MRI can also tell if the cancer has metastasized (spread) from where it started to another part of the body.
MRI images help doctors to plan treatment such as surgery or radiation therapy.
Uses of MRI Scan
MRI advancement has come as a revolutionary milestone for the medical world.
Doctors, scientists and researchers are now able to see and examine the inside of the human body noninvasively and in high details
Following are some examples in which an MRI scanner can be used
- Tumors, cysts and other anomalies in various parts of the body
- Breast cancer screening in women who face high risk of cancer
- Any anomalies of brain and spinal cord
- Injuries or abnormalities of joints such as in back, knee, etc
- Certain heart problems
- For evaluating pelvic region in women such as in fibroids and endometriosis
- In infertility in women where any suspected uterine anomalies are there
- Diseases of liver and other abdominal organs
The above list is by no means exhaustive. MRI technology is always expanding in scope and use.
How Do I Prepare for an MRI Procedure?
Clothing- All the clothing need to be removed including the under garments, especially any kind of jewelry and valuables need to be left home as they can interfere in MRI scan hence affecting the readings
Eat/Drink- you may drink or eat normally, any medications if to be take can be taken normally before the MRI scan, but If the scan is to be done for any specific reason, doctors will intimate about it.
Allergy- MRI contrast are used in certain MRI procedures as IV contrast. If you have had an allergic reaction to the contrast before, you need to take recommended prescription from your physician before hand.it needs to be taken by mouth 24, 12, and 2 hours prior to the examination.
Anti Anxiety Medication- If you are claustrophobic (fear of closed crowded room), you may require ant- anxiety medication to be prescribed by your ordering physician. Please note that you will need someone to take you home.
What to Expect- There is a tube like structure open from both the ends, in which imaging takes place. You need to lay perfectly still and still inside of the tube in order to obtain quality scan images. Earplugs are also required as MRI machine makes loud noise during the scan.
What to Inform Before MRI Scan
MRI scan uses a strong magnetic field for image production, image scan be interfered by metallic objects. Detailed information of where the metal is present in the body is to be given to the doctor before MRI as to determine, location, type and eligibility for the scan to be done. If any metal present in body is not disclosed before your appointment, your study may be delayed, rescheduled or canceled upon your arrival until more information can be obtained.
Inform the doctor if any of the following apply to you
- You have vessel coils, filters, stents, or clips
- You have cardiac pacemaker or had heart valve replacement
- You have an implantable pump eg- insulin pump
- You have any metallic fragment in your body
- You are no able to lay down for 30-60 minutes
- You are pregnant or think you are pregnant
- You have had a bullet wound
- You have ever worked with metal eg- as metal grinder or welder
What Happens During MRI Procedure?
An MRI scanner is a open cylinder that is open from both the ends. You will be laying on a motor driven bed which is moved inside the cylinder scanner.
You will enter the body of scanner laying by either head first or feet first depending on which body part of yours is to be scanned.
Certainly, a frame is placed over the body parts being scanned, such as head or chest
The frame contains receivers that will pick up the signals sent out by your body during the scan and it can help to create quality images
In a different room, away from magnetic field, a computer is placed, which operates the scanner
The radiographer operates the computer, leaving the MRI scan room with only the scanner and you inside. But you will be connected to them through intercom and they can view you through viewing window between the rooms.
A friend or family may be allowed to stay with you during the scan especially with children parents are allowed to stay
Anyone who stays also needs to remove any metal jewelry and is asked if he has a metallic pacemaker. And to follow same guidelines of clothes and stuff and you.
A single scan may take 3- 4 minutes. You may be asked to hold breaths during short scans
You will be given earplugs or headphones to wear as the scanner machine makes loud noise during the scanning
You can also hear some music if you want to and can bring you own CD as well
You will then be moved you once the scan is done
What Happens After An MRI Procedure?
- If any sedatives were given before the procedure, the effect of them is required to be worn off first.
- Driving should be avoided
- You should move slowly when getting up from the scan table as to avoid dizziness or lightheadedness.
- If contrast dye were used for the MRI procedures, some allergic reaction might happen such as itching, swelling, rash or difficulty breathing after your appointment. In any such case you should call your doctor right away.
- Otherwise no other special type of care is required after MRI scan. You may resume your normal diet and activities unless your doctor advices you differently.
- Your doctor will guide you alternatively after the procedure depending upon your particular situation
Why Ganesh Diagnostic Center?
At Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre, we are known for providing excellent service and care to its patients for decades. Lakhs of satisfied patients over the years!
It is an established and renowned diagnostic center since 2001.
Their excellence is backed by NABH and NABL Accreditations.
NABH accreditation is proof of the highest standard of care and service provided to the patients. NABL accreditation reflects the competency of laboratories and equipment based on some national and international standards.
Test report is available digitally too.
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre is a one-stop solution for getting all kinds of tests done, as all services are available under one roof.
The aim of GDIC is to provide world’s finest technology at the lowest price.
The rates of scans are reasonably priced. Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre also offer FLAT 50% OFF on many tests.
Patients can rely upon test reports as reports are 100% accurate.
We have many MRI centers in delhi which can offer MRI report Images online as well.
FAQ
How Long Does It Take For MRI Scan For Cancer?
The MRI scan usually takes between 15 minutes to 90 minutes. The scanning procedure itself includes examining the size and extent of tumor to see till where it has spread.
What are the Side Effects of MRI Scan?
Sometimes contrast medium is used along with MRI scan which can cause allergic reaction, also during MRI the machine produces a very loud sound so if adequate ear protection is not given it might harm hearing. Also sometimes due to peripheral muscle or nerve stimulation, twitching sensation can be felt during the scan.
How Accurate is MRI Scan for Detecting Cancers?
MRI scan is quite sensitive test which is reported to be as high as 94-100% accuracy in detecting cancers.
Is MRI Scan Used Only for Brain Cancers?
MRI scans can be used to diagnose any cancer inn almost any part of the body including brain, spinal cord, bones, soft tissues, joints etc.
What is the Full Form of MRI Scan?
MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging, this scan imaging is used for producing x-ray images of different body parts which need to be examined
When can I take Second MRI scan if I have got one Already Today?
MRI scans are taken according to the need, situation, condition and doctors recommendations, but otherwise, twice annually is safe.
