MRI is a painless, safe, noninvasive diagnostic technology that uses a strong magnet and radio waves to produce 2-D and 3-D pictures, or images, of your internal organs and other soft tissue. MRI creates images that can often provide more information than a biopsy or open surgery. MRI is also capable of creating images of biological functions, for example, the beating of your heart. Because MRI can produce clear internal images of your body from any angle, it provides doctors with a wealth of information both quickly and cost effectively. This information often cannot be obtained by any other method.
Doctors use detailed MRI images to diagnose internal injuries as well as to diagnose and determine the extent of diseases, including:
- Brain and nervous system disorders
- Major forms of cancer, including breast cancer
- Diseases of the gastrointestinal system, liver, pancreas and kidneys
- Gynecological, prostate and disorders involving the soft tissues of the pelvis
- Diseases of the musculoskeletal system
In addition, doctors can use MRI to monitor the effects of medications and treatments inside the body and to detect tissue inflammation.
