MRI
Also known as: magnetic resonance imaging
A scan that uses magnetic fields to produce detailed images of soft tissues.
Definition
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) uses a strong magnet and radio waves — not X-rays — to produce highly detailed images of soft tissues, including the brain, spinal cord, breast, prostate, liver and joints. It is especially useful when very fine soft-tissue contrast is needed, or when avoiding ionising radiation is important (for example in younger patients).
In oncology, MRI is often used to define the exact extent of tumours in the brain, breast, pelvis and bones, to plan radiation and surgery, and to follow up known disease. The scan can take 20–60 minutes; patients lie still inside a narrow tunnel, and earplugs are provided for the noise.
See also
- CT Scan — A detailed X-ray scan that builds cross-sectional images of the body.
- PET-CT — A combined scan that shows both the structure and the metabolic activity of tissues.
- Ultrasound — A safe scan that uses sound waves to create real-time pictures of organs and lumps.
- Staging — The process of finding out how large a cancer is and whether it has spread.
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Medically reviewed by
Dr. Rehan Abdullah
Dr. Rehan Abdullah is a dual-trained clinical and radiation oncologist with over a decade of experience treating both solid tumours and hematologic malignancies. He serves as Consultant Oncologist at INMOL Hospital and sees patients at Farooq Hospital and Healthnox Medical Center, Lahore. Read full profile →
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