Diagnostic Tests

[msmcbeth]

My doctor said I could maybe have an adrenal gland tumor so she sceduled me for an MRI scan. I was told that this would take about half an hour but I was in the machine for about an hour and a half. Then I was taken to another machine (which at the time I thought was just part of the MRI process..) where they injected iodine and gave me another scan (from what I can work out this was a CT scan). It only took about 15 minutes. From what I've read on the internet it would seem that an MRI is more detailed than a CT scan, so why would I first go for an MRI and then the CT scan? Any answers please.

Thnx!

[UroDoc]

Both scan give different information and if one gives an unclear picture, the other can help make a decision. Since they injected you they were probable looking to see if teh area in question enhanced, if it did it is more likely a tumor. Good luck.

[msmcbeth]

Thanks for the info..

Would they have done the CT if nothing showed up on the MRI? Or would they only have done it if they saw something and couldn't make out what it was?

*really worried now*

[UroDoc]

They might do a Ct scan if the MRI didn't help identify the lesion in your adrenal gland. I would not be worried, you should be happy that they are taking the extra steps to give you the most precise diagnosis as possible, i.e. leaving no stone unturned. Good luck.