Mesothelioma MRI Scan
Before mesothelioma can be treated, it must be diagnosed. One way this can effectively be done is by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Using a combination of magnetic fields and radio waves, an MRI can produce images similar to X-Ray but much more detailed and clear. Additionally, mesothelioma X-Ray can only produce two-dimensional images, while an MRI can create 3-dimensional images.
How Mesothelioma MRI Works
When receiving an MRI scan, the patient’s body is placed into a machine that surrounds the part of the body being scanned. The machine then emits a combination of electromagnetic waves at a radiofrequency that put simply, causes certain cells within the patient’s body to first absorb, and then release the electromagnetic energy. The energy released by the body’s cells create radiofrequencies that are scanned by the MRI machine and turned into a relatively clear three-dimensional image of the interior of the patient’s body.
In slightly more detail, here’s how MRI works:
- The body is mainly composed of water molecules which each contain two hydrogen nuclei or protons. When a person goes inside the powerful magnetic field of the scanner these protons align with the direction of the field.
- A second radiofrequency electromagnetic field is then briefly turned on causing the protons to absorb some of its energy.
- This radiofrequency field is turned off and the protons begin to release this energy at a radiofrequency which can be detected by the scanner.
- The position of protons in the body can be determined by applying additional magnetic fields during the scan which allows an image of the body to be built up.
Diseased tissue, such as mesothelioma tumors, can be detected because different tissues inside the patient’s body absorb and release energy at different rates. By changing the parameters on the scanner this effect is used to create contrast between different types of body tissue.
MRI Useful in Helping Doctors Treat Mesothelioma
Because MRI images can differentiate between healthy tissue and tumors, a doctor examining the image can acquire crucial information such as the extent of how much a tumor has spread before attempting to surgically remove the malignant tissue.
Mesothelioma & MRI Safety
MRI scans are painless. They are also typically safer than X-Ray and CT scans because MRI uses non-ionizing radiation as opposed to ionizing radiation which can increase the risk of malignancy.
On the other hand, a patient who has a pacemaker should never receive an MRI scan because the fields that emanate from the MRI machine can interfere with the proper function of the pacemaker.
Before receiving an MRI for mesothelioma cancer, consult with your doctor to ensure that any health conditions you might have wouldn’t exclude you from safely receiving the scan.
For more information, contact mesothelioma center today.
