MRI WITH CONTRAST OR CT SCAN WITH CONTRAST?

[FRED220]

My  Dr. ordered a Ct scan with contrast for my liver since 6 months ago there was a  lesion that was too small to determine what it really was. Is the Ct scan better than MRI ? I was thinking about the radiation of the CT scan and  how bad it could be for the liver long term,  since the MRI has no radiation I would think it would be better.Suggestions?

[Rbeth]

When an area of altered profusion showed on my MRI in 2013, dr ordered MRI w/wo every 6 mos. thank God it was not HCC, but I do agree with you & most posts here. Talk with your doc about MRI, unless there real vascular concerns. Best results to you!

[almostsixty]

My doc alternates my scans every 6 month between ultra sounds, CT, and MRI. My last was an MRI and it looked good. I have compensated cirrhosis and am 24 wk HCV undetected. I trust the path he has chosen for my observation. They know what they are looking for. Best of luck to you!

[AugustineMama]

Mayo does MRI twice a year and have for 4 years. Never have they recommended CT scan.

[FRED220]

Thanks.

[HealingHearts]

I just had an MRI with contrast this morning. I was in there for 45 minutes but thank God it was an open MRI so I did not get claustrophobic.

I was told I needed an MRI due to an earlier ultrasound of my liver showing a subtle irregularity on the right lobe. As I do not have the results yet, I understood that the MRI is best when there is a lesion/tumor or cyst and can differentiate if anything is benign or malignant. No radiation with the MRI so all in all, it was the best choice for me.

Hope this helps.

[Sarah1949]

I agree with you.
However, I have read that a ct is better to see varices. But, a MRI is better for tumors.