A prostate MRI scan in Santa Fe can help detect the development of cancerous cells in your prostate gland, which can lead to more invasive and dangerous treatments if not treated early enough. If you’re experiencing symptoms such as frequent urination and difficulty during urination, consult your doctor about scheduling an MRI scan in Santa Fe today.
What Is an MRI Scan?
An MRI scan is an imaging procedure that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the inside of the body. It’s done without any injections, intravenous (IV) medications, or surgery. A specially trained health care professional operates the machine, and you lay on a narrow table which slides into a tunnel-shaped chamber so that only your body is exposed to the outside environment.
Depending on what part(s) of your body are being imaged, you may be given oral medication to help you relax (such as Valium), or have an IV inserted for additional hydration. The procedure itself takes about 30 minutes for each region scanned; it’s painless and doesn’t require sedation or anesthesia.
The MRI scan can take anywhere from one hour up to four hours depending on how many regions are being scanned and if there are certain medical conditions present. Some people report feeling claustrophobic during the exam because they can’t see much around them while they’re lying down with their head pointing towards the ceiling, but this can usually be managed by changing position or listening to music through headphones.
What Does An MRI Exam Consist Of?
There are many benefits to MRIs. It is painless, non-invasive and does not use ionizing radiation. This means the patient does not have to wear a lead apron or remove any jewelry. There are no known side effects from the procedure. The magnetic fields do not interrupt pacemakers, so patients with these devices can also undergo an MRI.
An MRI exam consists of two parts: the scan and evaluation. For the scan, you will lie on your back on an open table that slides into the opening at the center of the machine. You will be given ear plugs or headphones to wear during the scanning process which lasts about 30 minutes for a typical exam.
A contrast agent (a dye) may be injected through a catheter before the test begins to highlight some tissues more clearly. Sometimes another test called a biopsy may be done before or after an MRI exam to obtain cells or tissue samples for examination.
Is There Any Risk Involved In An MRI Examination?
MRI scans are not considered risk-free, but the benefits often outweigh the risks. An MRI examination is non-invasive, painless and does not involve exposure to ionizing radiation. It is also possible for people with metal implants or certain medical devices to have an MRI scan. The most common adverse effects from an MRI exam are claustrophobia, anxiety and pain from lying still for long periods on a hard surface during the procedure (about three hours). Other side effects include headache, nausea and dizziness.
How Long Does An MRI Exam Take?
During an MRI exam, the patient is typically asked to lie down on a flat surface that slides into the bore of the magnet. The patient’s head and other areas near the magnet must be protected with a special cushioning pad. A narrow opening called an aperture is placed around the area to be examined.
The computer then takes images from many different angles, which are combined to produce detailed cross-sectional views of the area inside and outside your body. There may also be some noise during this process, but it is generally not intense or annoying. You will usually need to lie still for around 30 minutes per scan, but this can vary depending on what part of your body needs to be scanned and how long each individual scan takes.
Are There Any Alternatives To The Standard MRI Procedure?
If you are looking for an alternative to the standard MRI procedure, there are a few available options. The most common is the prostate MRI, which is non-invasive and painless. It is also helpful because it can detect prostate cancer early, when it is most treatable. The main downside to this type of imaging is that it may not be as accurate for women or children.
What Kind Of Results Can I Expect From An MRI Test?
MRI scans can help detect prostate cancer, which has the highest death rate from any cancer. A prostate MRI test is done by a machine that creates detailed pictures of your prostate and surrounding areas. The procedure is painless and typically takes 30-60 minutes.
You may experience some side effects such as urinary frequency, but these will go away within a few days. You should also drink plenty of fluids before, during and after the test to avoid dehydration. The results will be sent to your urologist or primary care physician who will discuss what they mean with you as well as other treatment options if needed.
