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CancerQuest > Introduction to Patient Information > Introduction to Cancer Detection and Diagnosis > Introduction to MRI > MRI: Results

MRI: Results

Magnetic resonance imaging helps identify tumors by magnifying the differences in water content and blood flow between tissues. Malignant tumors grow their own network of blood vessels via angiogenesis; this gives them a larger blood supply than the surrounding tissue. Contrast material highlights this concentration of blood vessels to help pinpoint malignant growths.⁽¹⁾

When contrast agent is not used an MRI can show:

• The shape, size, appearance, and location of organs, bones, and joints
• The presence of abnormal growths
• Signs of inflammation or infection⁽²⁾

When contrast agent is used MRI can show:

• size and location of benign or malignant growths
• enlarged lymph nodes
• changes in blood flow
• extracellular volume ^{(1) (3)}

As useful as MRI is, it cannot always accurately differentiate between cancerous and non-cancerous lesions. As an example, MRI cannot detect microcalcifications, which may be indicators of the primary stages of breast cancer.⁽⁴⁾ Therefore, it is very important that patients consult their physicians about which screening method is best suited for them.

References for this page:

1. "MRI of the Body (Chest, Abdomen, Pelvis)." Radiology Info (accessed on 01-27-08) [http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=bodymr&bhcp=1]
2. "Imaging (Radiology) Tests." American Cancer Society (accessed on 08-03-2010) [http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/content/PED_2_3X_Imaging_Radiology_Tests.asp?sitearea=PED]
3. Bellin, MF. "MR contrast agents, the old and the new." European Journal of Radiology. 2006 Dec;60(3):314-23. [PUBMED]
4. Margolis D., MD, Hoffman J., MD, Herfkens R., MD, Jeffrey R., MD, Quon A., MD, and Gambhir S., MD, PhD . "Molecular imaging techniques in body imaging." Radiology. 2007 Nov;245(2):333-56. [PUBMED]