Description
Why is the thyroid examined with an MRI?
The thyroid gland is a shield-shaped gland in the throat that lies below the larynx and just in front of the trachea. The hormones that the gland produces go into the bloodstream and control the metabolism in the body. Trouble from thyroidea is a very common ailment, especially in women. Since the symptoms can vary and sometimes be difficult to determine, it is not always obvious at a first assessment what is causing the symptoms. If cancer or a tumor is suspected, MRI is the method of choice to assess the extent of the tumor, possible spread and relationship to surrounding tissues. With MRI, you also get a detailed picture of the size and shape of an enlarged thyroid (goiter) and can study its relationship to the soft tissue in the neck and chest. The examination takes about 45 minutes and is completely painless.
What can be detected by MRI-Thyroid?
- Thyroid cancer
- Metastases
- Goitre
- Thyroid nodules
- Thyroiditis
- Infections
Preparations
If you have metal splinters, a pacemaker, an insulin pump or other electronic equipment in your body, you cannot be examined with a magnetic camera. Metal that is not magnetic, on the other hand, does not pose an obstacle for magnetic camera examination.
How does it happen?
A magnetic camera looks like a tunnel with two openings on each side. During the examination itself, you lie still on a bed that is brought into a tunnel that is about 2 meters long. The image taking itself produces sound, which is why hearing protection is offered. The magnetic camera takes several series of images during the examination, up to hundreds, in order to e.g. be able to image organs and tissues. The examination usually takes between 30-50 minutes and if you are worried there are usually sedatives available. After a completed examination, you can almost always leave the clinic and return to your everyday life.
Survey results
Your results are always reviewed by x-ray specialists and analyzed and compiled by specialist doctors in an individual written report that is sent to you within 7-10 working days after a completed examination.
