This is an automatically translated article.
The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Nguyen Thanh Nam - Radiologist - Department of Diagnostic Imaging - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital.Whole-body magnetic resonance imaging is a method with high screening and diagnostic value and the ability to detect small tumors. However, when to take a full-body MRI is a question of many people wishing to perform this method. Cancer is an extremely dangerous disease, with many complicated developments and high mortality in patients. In medicine today, there are many methods to detect cancer such as X-ray, ultrasound, CT Scanner, endoscopy.... Each method has its own advantages and limitations.
In which, whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is being considered the most advanced option in detecting tumor lesions of small size and at early stages.
1. In which case MRI?
Magnetic resonance is a modern, non-hazardous, radiation-free method, so it's very good for whole-body screening. There are 02 types: magnetic resonance imaging of the head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, spine to screen for common diseases; or whole-body diffusion scan to screen for cancer metastasis when the patient does not want to use PET/CT due to radiation and has to put radioisotopes into the body.In the following cases, the patient will be assigned a full-body magnetic resonance imaging by doctors and specialists:
The patient is diagnosed with a primary tumor: This is a case where a full-body MRI is needed to evaluate evaluate the extent of tumor spread in the organ as well as throughout the body, thereby helping to classify the advanced stage of the disease; After surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy: It is necessary to take a whole-body MRI to assess the treatment response status of the disease (complete response, partial response, no response) and detect new lesions that have recurred; In case of secondary injury of unknown origin, the lesion is widespread throughout the body: MRI is required to comprehensively assess the current status of the lesion;
2. What is the role of full body MRI?
Through whole-body MRI, doctors can detect the following diseases:Neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas, thyroid gland, adrenal gland, Merkel cell tumors. Bone cancers: Bone sarcoma, multiple myeloma, lymphoma. Genitourinary tract cancer: renal cell carcinoma (RCC), bladder cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer. Primary tumors or bone metastases: breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, thyroid cancer, ... Gastrointestinal carcinoma: Carcinoma of the colon, stomach. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) Soft tissue tumors: neurofibromas, fibroids,... However, whole body magnetic resonance imaging is not only for cancer patients, it's done available for healthy people who want to check for diseases in their body besides cancer such as: herniated disc, hepatitis, benign kidney disease; or detect benign diseases such as liver tumors, benign bone tumors.
In particular, whole-body magnetic resonance imaging is also effective for subjects with a high risk of cancer such as: parents, grandparents with a history of cancer or work characteristics that require exposure to cancer patients. carcinogenic factors, eg coal miners, dyers, petrochemical workers,...
Whole body magnetic resonance imaging has been routinely performed in both indications. Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital has put into use a 3.0 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging machine with Silent technology (no noise) to help diagnose diseases more accurately and make you more comfortable when taking pictures.
Silent technology is especially beneficial for patients who are children, the elderly, weak health patients and patients undergoing surgery. Limiting noise, creating comfort and reducing stress for customers during the shooting process, helping to capture better quality images and shorten the shooting time.
Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.
