Non-invasive screening methods allow us to get a clearer picture of potential issues within the body without having to subject it to any physical testing. When it comes to tracking the development of cancer and the healing process as you undergo chemotherapy or other treatment methods, these screening methods are important. That said, there are technologies within this category that may not be as effective or as safe as other methods.

One of the best choices you may learn about along the way is an MRI. If you hear this term used in regards to your treatment, let’s learn more about some of the benefits that come with receiving a full body MRI.

What is an MRI?

A Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan (MRI) is an imaging technique that relies on strong magnets and radio waves to produce an internal image of your body. A metal dye is typically injected into the patient before the procedure, which helps to reveal more detail in certain tissues and blood vessels. Once the patient has been prepared, they will be placed onto a table that goes through a large circle. The circular machine contains the magnets that capture the full internal image of the body as each section goes through. Depending on the scope of the procedure, an MRI scan may take anywhere from as little as ten minutes to as long as an hour or more.

What are the benefits of receiving a full body MRI?

There are many benefits that come with using MRI scans over other imaging techniques. The most desirable benefit that comes with MRI scans is the fact that it does not use any radiation to view the inside of the body, unlike X-rays or CT scans.

MRI scans provide users with a more detailed image than other scans and are especially adept at imaging soft tissues within the body and can detect tissues that are hidden by surrounding bone structures, which makes it a valuable tool in detecting the presence of tumors.

Finally, the dye that is used in MRI scans, gadolinium, is less likely to cause any allergic reactions than the iodine solutions that are used in other scans. If you are in need of a full-body scan that will allow you to detect cancer early or track your cancer as it progresses, an MRI scan is one of the best imaging methods that you can choose from.

Are there any risks associated with MRI scans?

The MRI scan is often the safest choice for most users but there are some people who may not be able to undergo the procedure. Since MRI scans rely on the use of powerful magnets, users who have mechanical devices in their body such as pacemakers, who have any metal contained within their body, who have tattoos that contain metal, or those who are pregnant are generally recommended to steer clear of MRI scans or to learn more about whether an MRI scan will affect them.

Additionally, some people may have a reaction to the injected dye and those who are pregnant, have liver or kidney problems, or those who are allergic to gadolinium may be unable to undergo the procedure as well.

If you believe that you are exhibiting symptoms of a certain type of cancer but need to test for the possibility first, an MRI scan is an excellent early detection method for your needs. Learn more about what an MRI scan entails with the guide above and speak more with your doctor about using this imaging technique for your personal needs.

Shift Frequency © 2019 – The Benefits of Receiving a Full-Body MRI