CT vs MRI: What's the Difference?
Douglas N. Hornsby, MD, is a top radiologist who lends his skills and expertise to serve patients as Medical director of Pinnacle Imaging Center in Miami, Florida. Pinnacle Imaging Center is the largest self-standing Multi-Modality Diagnostic Imaging Center proudly serving the South Florida Community since 2004. It provides... more
CT (computed tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) are both used to diagnose cancer. Many people do not know the difference between the two methods or why one might be selected over the other.
A CT scan uses x-rays to create pictures of organs, bones, and other tissues. The patient lies on a table that moves through a scanning ring, which looks like a large doughnut. The data collected is assembled to form three-dimensional images. The images reveal abnormalities in both bone and soft tissues, for example, pneumonia in the lungs, tumors in different organs, or bone fractures.
MRIs create detailed pictures of areas inside the body. It uses radio waves and a powerful magnet to generate the pictures. The person also lies on a table that moves into a doughnut-shaped device, but the doughnut is much wider. Similarly, these images can show the difference between normal and diseased tissue.
CTs and MRIs usually require the injection of a contrast dye before or during the procedure. This helps the radiologist see organs and other tissues in the body more clearly.
