Whole Body MRI is a new imaging method for finding tumors early. It scans the whole body in about 40-45 minutes. Unlike other MRI scans, it doesn’t use radiation. MRI has been used for years to find lesions. Now, special software lets us see the whole body in one go.
This method helps find tumors in different parts of the body early. This includes the brain and neck. It’s done before tumors grow and spread.
Whole Body MRI is great for regular check-ups. It’s for people at high risk of cancer or with concerns. MRI has been around for a long time. It’s used to diagnose many diseases and check on them after treatment. Now, it’s also used for routine check-ups in healthy people.
About Whole Body MRI:
- It’s an advanced check-up for those at risk of cancer. The whole body, including the brain and neck, is scanned in one session.
- It’s used for check-ups. MRI used to only scan for suspected lesions. Now, it can scan the whole body in one session.
- It scans the body at 5-mm intervals. Then, software turns the data into one image. It takes about 45 minutes.
- Whole Body MRI aims to find information before symptoms appear. It’s also for those with a family history of tumors.
- It’s recommended with conventional screening for early detection of tumors in the breast, lung, prostate, and gastrointestinal system.
This test is also for those with a family history of tumors or health concerns. It helps find tumors early, including in the brain and muscles. This is before symptoms show up. Whole Body MRI is for cancer screening. Standard scans don’t include vascular screening.
Non-contrast enhanced Cranial MRI Angiography is offered for 5 minutes. It’s for those at high risk of brain aneurysms. Those worried about heart disease should get a Coronary CT Angiography. It’s part of the check-up.
Which Organs Are Scanned With Whole Body MRI?
- Scans start in the brain. Then, the neck, lungs, and chest wall are checked.
- The liver, pancreas, kidney, adrenal gland, and other organs in the belly are evaluated.
- Prostate and testicles are scanned in men. Uterus and ovaries are checked in women. Bones and muscles above the knee are also assessed.
- It needs to be combined with other tests to catch early signs of disease. This includes lung, breast, prostate, and gastrointestinal tumors.
- For a Whole Body MRI, patients wear special clothes or gowns. A coil is placed on them. The scan is like a routine MRI.
- The body is scanned from the brain down. The patient stays very quiet while the table moves.
- Patients lie down for 45 minutes without moving.
- They hold their breath for up to 20 seconds during scans of the belly and chest.