soapdragon Posted May 24, 2014 Share Posted May 24, 2014 I have decided that, with family history of several cancers, it would be prudent to book a full MRI or CT scan every 5 years or so especially as I get older. However, I am not really sure what the difference is and which is better at picking up potential tumours. Can anyone shed any light on the better option? Has anyone had experience of these 'preventative' scans? I know they are quite expensive but, if things can be caught early then well worth the outlay! Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WitchHazel Posted May 24, 2014 Share Posted May 24, 2014 No personal experience of either.... but I did find this page which might help some of your questions: http://www.diffen.com/difference/CT_Scan_vs_MRI There were lots of pages giving views, I googled mri vs ct Interested to hear others views. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soapdragon Posted May 24, 2014 Author Share Posted May 24, 2014 Thanks, that was interesting. However, using a CT to diagnose any tumours at an early stage seems, in itself, to increase the risks of cancer Life is full of dichotomies! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoid Posted May 24, 2014 Share Posted May 24, 2014 (edited) Thanks, that was interesting. However, using a CT to diagnose any tumours at an early stage seems, in itself, to increase the risks of cancer Life is full of dichotomies! That is because a CT scan is a full body x-ray taken from many different angles. Bombarding yourself with a large amount of radiation is not a good idea. I would go for the MRI. Edited May 24, 2014 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lavenders_Blue Posted May 24, 2014 Share Posted May 24, 2014 MRI scans are completely safe (although very noisy and can be claustrophobic). They also show up a higher level of detail. I can only relate what I know to stroke/brain scans (as that is the area I work in, although not doing anything as clever as brain scans!) but CT scans tend to be used as first choice for stroke scanning as it is quicker, and generally confirms what is already known/suspected (ie a stroke). If the CT scan is inconclusive then an MRI scan is next choice as the detail it shows is greater, but the scan does take longer. For what you are suggesting I am fairly sure that an MRI scan would be more appropriate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soapdragon Posted May 24, 2014 Author Share Posted May 24, 2014 Thank you - I will investigate costs and availiability locally! Omleteers are always so wise! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted May 24, 2014 Share Posted May 24, 2014 Moochoo would be the person to ask as she operates them - she doesn't post on here much these days, but I'm sure she's pick up a PM. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluekarin Posted May 25, 2014 Share Posted May 25, 2014 Not sure of the pros and cons of either, but I do know you can't have a MRI if you have any metal work in you ie pins and rods from a broken leg for example. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beantree Posted May 25, 2014 Share Posted May 25, 2014 I am in the process of arranging for an MRI scan at the moment, to ascertain the extent of damage to my lower back. My chiropractor has referred me to them. The machines are supposed to be 'state of the art' and suitable for claustrophobic patients. The company is CMC Imaging located at Heath Lodge Clinic near Solihull, West Midlands. Just a short drive up the motorway from you I think Soapdragon? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soapdragon Posted May 25, 2014 Author Share Posted May 25, 2014 Quite right, Beantree about an hour and a bit (passing - or not - Bicester Village on the way! ) I aim to do some more research on venues and costs over the next week or so as I gather that costs can vary quite a bit (esp if I stop off at Bicester Village ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
