Has your oncologist told you that you might need an MRI? If so, you’ll want to read this post. In it, we discuss what MRIs are, why people get them, and some of the benefits they offer.
MRI stands for “magnetic resonance imaging.” It’s a technique that takes pictures inside your body using a combination of powerful magnets, radiowaves and computer software. Doctors typically use MRIs to identify possible diseases and check your response to treatment. Critically, MRI scans don’t use ionizing radiation (as x-rays do) protecting your cells.
Patients get MRIs at Cochise Oncology for a vast array of reasons. The purpose of the scan depends on the area of the body being imaged.
Because MRIs are a generic technique, the list of possible uses for them is long. So, in addition to the above use cases, Cochise Oncology’s physicians will often recommend MRIs for people with breast, liver, pancreatic, prostate and kidney cancer as well.
How long an MRI scan takes depends on the area of the body your doctor wants to study. Brain MRIs usually take between 12 and 20 minutes to complete, whereas a breast MRI can take up to 45 minutes.
MRIs take a long time to complete because they take many hundreds of images of your tissue in slices. They then build this up into a three-dimensional representation that doctors can study.
Factors that affect MRI duration include:
The main benefit of MRI testing is that it provides greater soft tissue contrast than many other types of scan, including CT scans. For instance, it can tell the difference between water, fat, muscle and many other tissues, providing a resolution that most other imaging techniques cannot. Furthermore, it does not involve sending vast quantities of ionizing radiation through the body, which makes it safer to use long term.
Are you ready to learn more about MRI treatments? Reach out to Cochise Oncology at (520) 803-6644 or fill out the consultation form on this page. We look forward to meeting you!
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Take the first step towards personalized care informed by National Comprehensive Cancer Network by scheduling a consultation. Let us listen to you and create a tailored plan for your individual journey. Fill out a form to connect with us. Cochise Oncology will stand with you.
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