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Diagnosing Pleural Mesothelioma: MRIs

Because pleural mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose, several steps are taken in the process. Creating a link between symptoms and asbestos exposure is crucial, but imaging tests such as an MRI are often necessary to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis. X-rays and CT scans are less sophisticated methods of diagnostic imaging, making MRIs a preferred technique to make a definitive conclusion.

What is an MRI?

MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. MRIs originated in the mid 1970s and remain one of the most detailed pleural mesothelioma imaging techniques available today. Mesothelioma MRIs use a powerful magnetic field to create high-contrast images of soft tissues in the body and reflect abnormalities in tissue appearance without the use of detrimental radiation.

MRI machines produce a magnetic field by sending an electrical current through wire coils. While the body is inside the machine, radio waves redirect the axes of spinning protons in this field. Meanwhile, other coils transmit radio waves that produce signals that correspond with sections of the body. A radiologist familiar with MRIs can interpret the radio images once they appear on a computer.

What to Expect

Many patients are intimidated by the mesothelioma MRI process, but there should not be any concerns about the procedure. It is completely painless and generally takes less than two hours at a hospital or imaging center. Preparing for a pleural mesothelioma MRI generally does little to disrupt the patient’s daily routine. Most may eat, drink and take medicine as they normally do, although select guidelines may apply and will be thoroughly explained beforehand by a doctor. Some patients will be asked to swallow an iodine-free contrast dye called gandolinium.

On the day of the MRI, patients will be asked to fill out basic paperwork, remove any jewelry or metal items and identity any metal inside the body such as screws or pins in a broken limb. Once inside the scanning room, mesothelioma patients will lie on a large table and the technician will make sure the patient is comfortable. After confirmation that they are ready to begin, the technician will slide the table into the MRI machine. At this point, the technician will leave the room, but patients will be able to maintain continuous communication with them.

The test will then progress through several different sequences, each lasting approximately two or three minutes. These sequences are accompanied by banging noises which are a completely normal part of the process and do not indicate any malfunction. Once all the sequences are completed, the table will slide back out and the patient will be helped up.
Claustrophobic patients may experience some anxiety with the procedure, although if a doctor is made aware of the issue beforehand, he or she may be able to prescribe a mild sedative, have music playing, or locate a facility with an open MRI machine to reduce the closed-in feeling.

After the MRI

Mesothelioma MRI scans generally do not affect the patient in any physical way. MRI results may not be viewed immediately by the patient or technician. Qualified and licensed radiologists must analyze the images and send the results to the patient’s doctor, who then will make an appointment to discuss the findings with the patient. If the MRIs do confirm a pleural mesothelioma diagnosis, an oncologist will be able to provide further instructions for treatment and explain current therapy options.

Do the Benefits Outweigh the Risks?

Unlike other forms of imaging, MRIs do not expose patients to radiation. The dye used in MRI scans does not include iodine, eliminating the potential for triggering an allergic reaction. Additionally, it is the only tool to identify abnormalities on soft-tissue structures such as the lungs, where pleural mesothelioma settles. As a mesothelioma diagnostic tool, MRIs pose no serious risks to the patient. An adverse reaction to the contrast dye is reported in occasional cases, but this is often slight and non-threatening.

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