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MRI scans are usually not helpful in the diagnosis of mesothelioma, but there are some occasions when the information they provide is of value.
This test uses powerful magnetic waves to make a picture of the soft tissue, organs and bones in your chest or abdomen. It does not use X-rays. You may be asked to drink a liquid contrast medium (a dye) that helps to give a good picture.
You may also be given an injection of contrast medium during the scan in a vein in your arm. This may make you flush hot all over for several minutes. The dye travels to your chest or abdomen and helps to give a better picture.
The machine is a large, tubular ring. You will be asked to lie on your back on a hard couch that passes through the ring. With the help of a computer, pictures of slices through your body are taken. Depending on how many pictures are being taken, you may have to lie still for up to an hour in an enclosed space. If this worries you, tell the radiographer. When it is switched on the machine is very noisy, so you will be given ear-plugs or head-phones to wear.
See our tests section, on having an MRI for pictures and more information.
