CT Scan

A CT Scan uses x-rays and computer generated images to show your organs, bones and tissues. It shows more detail than an x-ray, but not more than an MRI!

A CT Scan is usually used for:

MRI Scan

An MRI creates pictures using radio waves and a magnet to generate images (don’t wear metal!). It shows more detail than a CT Scan, but does take longer to complete.

A MRI Scan is used to look at:

CT Scan

• Circulation problems
• Abdominal abnormalities
• Urinary bleeding causes
• Lung issues
• Skeletal system problems
• Head conditions

MRI Scan

• Breast cancer
• Tumors
• Joint abnormalities
• Blood vessel irregularities
• Brain problems
• Inflammatory bowel conditions
• Liver disease
• Bone disorders

CT Scan

Pros

• Data can be assembled to form 3-D images.  The images can pinpoint abnormalities in bone and soft tissues (ex.-pneumonia in lungs, tumors in organs or bone fractures)
• Can get images of entire body (neck to thigh in seconds)
• Great for diagnosing stages of cancer and looking at spread throughout body (metastases)

Cons

• Potential harm to unborn babies
• Small does of radiation
• Potential reaction to dyes

MRI Scan

Pros

• Images can show the difference between normal and diseased tissue.
• Excels at showing prostate cancer, uterine cancer and some liver cancers. 
•  Metastases to bone and brain show up better on an MRI

Cons

• Reaction to metals 
• Takes longer to complete
• Potential claustrophobia