I understand that tumours, cysts, lesions can be successfully diagnosed with an MRI with contrast. Can a consultant definitively diagnose a cancerous or benign tumour, cyst, lesion from those images without the need for a biopsy? Many thanks x
MRI scans produce detailed images of soft tissues and tumours, making them highly effective for detecting cancer in different parts of the body. However, they have limitations and may not identify all types of cancer.
For example, it is less effective in detecting lung cancer or stomach cancer. Additionally, you typically won’t have an MRI for blood cancers such as leukemia.
An MRI can indicate the presence of a tumour and provide some hints regarding whether it is benign or malignant, although these indications are not always completely reliable. Radiologists, the physicians who interpret these scans, look for specific characteristics. For instance, benign tumours typically have smooth, well-defined edges, while malignant tumours may appear jagged or irregular.
If an MRI does detect a tumour which looks suspiciously like cancer then a biopsy may still be required to actually confirm and also to grade the tumour.
