Can MRI be used instead of tomography (CT) to check lungs, pelvis, abdomen for possible metastasis?

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I under diagnosis of breast tumor. I had USG, mammography, biopsy, blood test and waiting for the results. I was sent by the doctor to computer tomography (CT) for lungs, pelvis and abomen test.

However, I wander if MRI could be done instead of CT (fully or partially) and have the same diagnostic value in this situation?
Also, did your doctors sent you to CT or MRI?

I am thinking that I might be send to CT, because queue for MRI in public hospital would be too long. If this is a case, I could go to MRI privately and pay for it, if MRI has similar diagnostic value to CT.

MRI seems to be safer option due to lack of ionising radiation, that is why I am considering this option if MRI has similar diagnosis value.

Unfortunatelly, I didn't ask the doctor during the visit about this.

  • Hi Alicee 321, 

    I had an ultrasound initially but consultant wanted more detailed images. She considered both CT and MRI but settled on the latter. I’m no doctor but got the impression that she chose MRI over CT as it would provide more useful information. Perhaps it depends on where the problem is? Mine was a scan of my abdominal cavity due to a suspicion of uterine cancer.