Why Would a Doctor Order a CT After an MRI?

 If the physician is suspecting a patient with cancer, they would often recommend multiple medical examinations to diagnose and spot the tumor. But why would the doctor order a PET CT scan and MRI? For what purposes are they used, what is the difference between both and which MRI and PET CT scan center should you go to? Let’s find out more in this blog!

What is CT Scan and MRI?

A CT scan is computed tomography and MRI denotes Magnetic Resonance Imaging are the two types of scan which are used to diagnose and stage cancer. CT scans are more common and MRIs are performed occasionally, so evidently, CT scans are cheaper than MRIs. 

MRI and CT Scan: What are their purposes and differences? 

The CT Scan involves the patient lying on a ring-shaped table, where radiated X-rays generate images of internal organs, bones, and tissues in the body. Pictures are taken from various angles to generate 2 dimensional images in CT scan and 3 Dimensional pictures in PET Scan that project the abnormality spotted in the body. 

CT scans can help doctors determine the stage and severity of diseases, the presence of regrown tumors, and the outcome of ongoing treatment. This can be used on the entire body for detecting internal bleeding, injuries and other diseases in the body. 

While the MRI uses radio waves instead of X-rays and creates a magnetic field around the body to develop pictures. MRI is a better alternative to rely on when the examination is limited to diagnosis of certain conditions. Certain cancers like prostate cancer, uterine cancer and liver cancer, as well as injuries to soft tissue, and internal organ injuries are easily detected that CT scans may not reveal. 

 

Which one is better? 

Whenever doctors are uncertain about the diagnosis, they suggest other tests based on previous reports, if the patient has any. Different MRI and PET CT scan centers are available to study the reports from various scanning centers and provide patients with treatment, therefore saving them from additional costs. 

Additional tests help in the precise assessment and evaluation of the condition. CT is also recommended as an alternative or sometimes the risks involved in some cases influence the decision of doctors.

Therefore, when it comes to answering which scan is better, an MRI or PET CT scan depends on the case and the condition. Such as an individual with metal implants or pacemakers should not be placed under MRI to prevent hazardous health outcomes because the strong magnetic field interferes with metals. 

CT scans also pose risks to pregnant women because the body is exposed to ionizing radiation that is harmful to the fetus. In some cases, a doctor may order a CT scan after an MRI if the MRI does not provide enough detail to make a diagnosis. CT scans can provide a different type of 3-dimensional imaging that is more descriptive. 

Additionally, CT scans are much faster than MRIs, which can be beneficial if the doctor needs to make a diagnosis quickly.

Where to Look for Health Sight? 

This is an expert MRI and PET CT scan centre where you can book your appointment right away. We are the first center to offer comprehensive cardiac MRI services and a slew of advanced MRI techniques. With 12 years of experience, we are well known for offering PET/CT scans and other medical tests with the same level of expertise.Whether you need Radiology, Biopsies, or a second opinion, you'll find yourself at the right place here at "Picture This" with the latest medical technology!