MRI is not directly used for treatment in the sense of administering a therapeutic substance or performing a procedure within the MRI machine itself. Instead, MRI scans are used to guide and plan treatment, particularly for conditions like cancer, because they provide detailed information that other imaging methods, like X-rays, cannot.
How MRI Guides and Plans Treatment
MRI's detailed imaging capabilities are crucial for several aspects of treatment:
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Diagnosis and Tumor Size Assessment: MRI scans offer superior detail compared to X-rays, allowing doctors to accurately diagnose conditions and assess the size of tumors. According to provided reference material, MRI scans give details that cannot be seen in other radiology tests, such as X-rays, and can help diagnose or look at the size of tumors.
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Surgical Planning: MRI scans help determine if a tumor can be surgically removed. This is vital for deciding the best course of action.
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Radiation Therapy Planning: MRI scans are used to create the optimal radiation treatment plan. This ensures that radiation is precisely targeted to the affected area, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
In summary, while MRI doesn't administer treatment, it plays a critical role in planning and guiding various treatments due to its superior imaging capabilities.
