MRI Scans for Spinal Tumors: A Non-Invasive Diagnostic Approach

According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, spinal tumors account for 15% of all central nervous system tumors. These tumors can have a direct impact on the functioning of the body as the spine is part of the central nervous system. Any abnormality within the spinal cord disrupts the functioning and transformation of the message from the brain to the other parts of the body. In that regard, the early detection of tumors is essential, and it also acts as a proactive measure. In this post, we will direct your attention toward an MRI scan as a preventive tool in the detection of spinal tumors. 

What are Spinal Tumors? Understand the Basics of it

Spinal tumors refer to the abnormal growth of cells within the spinal cord or the bones of the spine. These tumors can be both benign and malignant. These tumors have a direct impact on the functioning of the spinal cord and most often cause back pain that does not go away. The back pain gets worse at night and radiates to the other parts of the body. Depending upon  the location of the tumors, some types of spinal tumors include the following: 

• The tumors that start within the spinal cord are called intramedullary tumors, which include astrocytomas, gliomas, or ependymomas.

• The tumors that grow within the membrane of the spinal cord are called extramedullary tumors. These tumors do not grow within the spinal cord, but they may impact its functioning by causing compression of the spinal cord. 

What is the role of an MRI scan in diagnosing spinal tumors?

The early detection of tumors significantly helps in reducing the harm through effective treatment and other procedures. In that regard, an MRI scan plays an important role in the early detection of abnormalities. MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging, which is a non-invasive procedure. It includes the use of strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create images of the internal structures of the body. MRI helps in the diagnosing of tumors through the following ways: 

• The high-resolution images of the spinal cord and nerves allow doctors to identify the relationship of tumors with other parts of the body.

• One advantage of the scan is that it helps identify the location and size of the tumor, which helps in determining the most suitable treatment.

• This also helps differentiate and determine the types of tumors. 

The Process of MRI Scan 

The process of an MRI scan includes the following steps:

• First of all, you will have to remove any kind of jewelry as it interacts with the magnetic field. Some screening centers ask patients to wear hospital gowns for the scan.

• Then, you go under screening for the identification of any metal objects or surgical implants. 

• You lay on the table that goes inside the MRI machine. The technician will adjust your position to get accurate images and to make you feel comfortable.

• A coil will be placed near your body, which is a device that receives the signal from the MRI.

• During the scan, you will have to hold your breath for a few seconds to get clear images.

• The scan takes 15 to 90 minutes, depending upon the type of scan and the part of the body being scanned.

Benefits of MRI Scan for Spinal Tumors Detection

The benefits of MRI for spinal tumors include the following:

• It is a simple, non-invasive imaging test.

• The accuracy rate of MRI for detecting spinal tumors is 90% to 95%. 

• In this scan, there is no use for ionizing radiations, which makes it safe.

• The scan can detect even during the early stages.

• The scan also plays an active role in evaluating the effectiveness of the treatment. 

Full Body Scan: A Complementary Tool for Diagnosing

Apart from MRI, a full body scan is another tool for diagnosing different abnormalities within the body. A full body scan is a CT scan of the whole body that helps highlight any abnormality within the body, such as tumors in the lungs or any other part of the body. However, the precision level of a full body scan does not match MRI. Nevertheless, it is a good tool for analyzing the internal conditions.

Conclusion 

You may search for a full body scan near me to find a good screening lab for both MRI and full body scan. Another option is to take our recommendation for ViaScan of Las Colinas for its impressive imaging services. 

The lab is famous for its extremely accurate and reliable services. Moreover, you will not face any kind of problem during any imaging procedure with the staff and radiologists. So, if you have a history of cancer and are facing some symptoms of spinal tumors, then contact your doctor for early detection.