What information does an MRI scan provide?

In the setting of recurrent thyroid cancer, MRI scans may be used to perform specific anatomic imaging. For the most part, different types of MRI scans may be used in many of the same ways as different types of CT scans. These scans tend to be most useful in situations where can provide slightly different views of specific regions of the body. Because MRI scans require sophisticated instruments that may only be available at certain facilities, appointments may sometimes be more difficult to arrange.

MRI scans of the neck and chest can be obtained, but it is not clear whether they provide better images than more readily available neck and thoracic CT scans.

In contrast, MRI scans of the brain and spinal cord clearly provide better images that CT scans of the same areas. The tissues that are present in central nervous system produce very distinct signals when examined with MRI scanning that allow for precise delineation and identification of abnormalities. This may be particularly important in evaluation of the brain and spinal cord, where subtle findings may have serious implications.

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