Asbestosis MRI Imaging
An asbestosis MRI image is almost always ordered at some point when asbestosis is suspected in a patient. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most advanced, detailed diagnostic procedures that can be used to determine if a lung ailment is indeed asbestos related and how far the illness has progressed. Although asbestosis is usually first diagnosed based on a combination of lung and chest x-rays, symptoms and a history of asbestos exposure, an MRI can give doctors a much clearer picture of what is happening. Often an MRI is the last step in confirming the accuracy of an asbestosis or mesothelioma diagnosis. How an Asbestosis MRI Works
The MRI uses a magnetic field bounced off the body’s chest area in order to create cross-section images of the lungs and related organs. These cross-sections are three-dimensional computer images of very thin sections of the lungs that show what the interior of the lungs look like in very clear, high definition views – something x-rays can’t provide when diagnosing asbestosis.
In most cases, an MRI can be done without any preparation of the asbestosis patient, although on occasion a high-contrast dye may be injected into the blood stream to increase contrast. In most cases, an MRI of the lungs takes about an hour as your body is slowly advanced through the MRI machine. It’s a painless, non-invasive procedure that can tell your doctor a lot about your condition. MRIs Provide Detailed InformationWhile x-rays are extremely valuable for an initial diagnosis of asbestosis, MRIs provide more detailed information. This information is especially important in determining the extent of asbestosis damage. In some cases when a lung disease is suspected but doesn’t show up in x-rays, an asbestosis MRI can also detect the presence of sub-clinical fibrosis in the lungs even before symptoms develop. This early diagnosis can add years and comfort to the patient’s life. Return from Asbestosis MRI to the Mesothelioma Cancer Home Page
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