MRI and PET CT scan are both the radiodiagnostic tests, which are non-invasive used to look for various abnormal conditions in the body. The working principle of MRI and PET CT scan is different from one another. MRI uses magnetic waves for the detection of abnormalities and PET CT makes use of radioactive tracers for the detection of abnormalities in the body.
How MRI Scan & PET Scan Works?
MRI is the short form of Magnetic Resonance Imagining that uses magnetic waves for the detection of abnormalities in the body. MRI is effective in detecting fracture, injury, tumor, cancer and other conditions of the body. There are various types of MRI each used for specific parts of the body with different costs. MRI creates detailed images which is effective in detecting cancer or any other abnormality more easily.
On the other side a PET CT scan is the short form of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computed Tomography (CT). Computed tomography produces detailed images of the scan after radioactive tracer use for detection of abnormalities. It is necessary to know the history of the patient before going for a PET CT scan because the PET CT tracer has allergies with some patients.
What Are The Advantages of MRI Scan?
- No ionizing radiation
- Superior soft tissue detail
- Good for the early diagnosis of neurological and musculoskeletal disorders
- Various imaging techniques, such as functional MRI of brain activity.
What Are The Advantages of PET CT Scan?
Demonstrates real-time function and metabolism Excellent for cancer staging and treatment follow-up. Detects disease even before structural changes appear.
MRI vs. PET scan Procedure
Most PET studies are performed on combined-modality PET/CT or PET/MRI machines.
Therefore, this process is quite similar to an MRI procedure.
- You’ll first get the radioactive tracer. It could take up to an hour for absorption of the tracer.
- You may be offered ear plugs or headphones to help protect your ears from the noise of the machine.
- The PET/MRI machine will start taking pictures of your body. This may take as long as one and a half hours. You will need to stay completely still during the imaging. The table slides out of the machine.
PET Scan Vs. MRI for Cancer Detection
Cancer cells reveal themselves through their greater-ever glucose consumption and PET scans document this consumption with the radiotracer. MRIs yield richly detailed pictures of soft tissues from many different angles and assist physicians in the detection of tumors and in the evaluation of whether tumors are malignant. Like PET scans, MRIs are useful in the detection of cancers spread and in determining whether treatments are working.
Conclusion
MRI and PET CT are useful modalities, but serve different purposes. MRI focuses on structural detail without radiation, whereas PET-CT outlines metabolic activity and has an important role in oncology. The choice of scan depends upon the patient’s symptoms and the diagnostic question being asked. If you’re looking for MRI scan cost and PET Scan cost, contact carebox for better guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What Does A PET Scan Show That An MRI Does Not?
A PET scan reveals cell function and metabolism (how tissues function), such as glucose intake, demonstrating early signs of disease, cancer, or inflammation, which could be missed until changes occur in an MRI.
Q. Is An MRI or PET Scan Better?
Neither MRI nor PET is inherently “better,” as both are different tools for different jobs: MRI is great for detailed soft tissue structure-brain, joints, and nerves-while PET scans give a view of metabolic function, showing cancer activity or early disease.
Q. Is MRI Scan Safe in Pregnancy?
Yes, MRI scans are generally considered safe during pregnancy, including the first trimester, since they do not involve the use of ionizing radiation like X-rays, and major medical bodies support the use of MRI when clinically necessary.
Q. Which One Is Better, CT Scan or PET scan?
Neither the CT nor the PET is universally “better”; they serve for different purposes. While CT scans are good for outlining structural details of body structures such as bones, organs, and injuries.
Q. What Is The Biggest Disadvantage In Using A PET Scan?
Among the biggest disadvantages associated with PET scans are radiation exposure, the potential for false positives/negatives coming from inflammation or low metabolic activity, high costs associated with the procedure, and limited availability.
