In a world of ever-changing health fads and advancements in medical technology, one question has withstood the test of time: What is the key to a longer, healthier life?
Many have sought answers in weeklong juice cleanses, vitamin supplements, and food sensitivity “tests,” but could the answer lie in early detection methods?
While many come from a long line of healthy individuals, we all are not so lucky. According to the National Cancer Institute, “up to 10% of all cancers may be caused by inherited genetic changes.” While this does not necessarily mean you will face a cancer diagnosis later in life, it does increase your risk of the disease.
Is a full-body MRI scan the answer to the long-asked question and early detection and prevention? Keep reading to find out!
What is a Full-Body MRI Scan?
A full-body MRI scan, also referred to as a whole-body screening is a painless, non-invasive imaging test performed inside an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scanner.
An MRI uses magnets and radio waves to create highly detailed images of your internal body, such as your organs, blood vessels, joints, and soft tissues.
One of the major advantages of an MRI scan is that it does not use any harmful ionizing radiation or contrast dyes, as seen in other imaging tests like a CT scan or X-ray.
What Does a Full-Body Scan Detect?
Undergoing a full-body screening gives you a special look into what is happening inside your body. A full-body MRI scan can detect aneurysms, tumors, cysts, and various bone and joint issues.
An MRI scan of the brain and spine may discover abnormalities or certain conditions, such as:
- Brain volume loss
- Small vessel disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Hydrocephalus (extra fluid in the brain)
- Arthritis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Bulging/ herniated disc
- Stenosis
Imaging of the chest and abdomen may detect:
- Fluid in the lung cavity
- Aortic aneurysm
- Breast tumors or cysts
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Liver cirrhosis
- Enlarged spleen or liver
- Gallbladder stones
- Diverticulitis
Can an MRI Detect Cancer?
A full-body MRI scan has allowed for a more comprehensive overview of what’s happening in various parts of the body, detecting minor abnormalities that may have gone unnoticed in the past.
For example, a full-body scan can detect abnormalities as small as 2 mm and early stages of cancer before symptoms even appear or become a cause for concern.
By scheduling a full-body scan, our MRI scanner can detect the following range of cancers:
- Breast cancer
- Lung cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Throat cancer
- Bone cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Liver cancer
- Brain tumors
In early cancer screening and prevention efforts, experts are advocating for the use of full-body MRI scans, stating they are not only “a suitable substitute for PET/CT in cancer screening” but further your health agenda by providing further information “about other nonmalignant abnormalities that require further evaluation and cannot be detected with PET/ CT screening.”
Full-body MRI scans can benefit those living a ‘healthy’ lifestyle, but they are especially vital for individuals with a family history of cancer or other diseases that increase their risk later in life.
Live an Empowered Life with Help from MRI Wellness
A family history of cancer or other conditions doesn’t have to mean a lifetime of doctors’ visits or blindly following health and wellness fads to escape your predisposed risks. Let MRI Wellness help empower you in your health journey and help you take preventative steps toward a healthier future.
Our full-body MRI scan is a tool to help you regain power over your body by providing a fast, accurate, and comprehensive overview of your health.
Our Charleston-based clinic is designed for you to sit back, relax, and take a proactive approach to your health. Contact us today to schedule one of our MRI scans near you and find out how we can help you on your healthcare journey!
