Question 1

how well does mri detect lymph nodes in the neck. does it show if they are  malignant or not based on structure?

Accepted Answer

MR useful in neck : Small lymph nodes (less than 1 cm) may be difficult to characterize.  Replaced morphology in larger nodes can suggest malignancy.

Question 2

mri shows benign looking 1.6 cm supraclavicular node-dr recommends i see hemotologist oncologist. possibly malignant even if benign looking? lymphoma?

Accepted Answer

Excision.: If this node is easily accessible, then it should be removed for definitive diagnosis.  Tests like ultrasound and MRI can suggest benignity or malignancy, but taking it out and sending it to the lab would give us the most accurate and reliable answer.  Bring the MRI to a surgeon and see about having it removed.

Question 3

i have a known bone tumor it was found in a mri ... i had a bone scan done and the tumor showed up hot ... does that mean it's malignant?  would a. benign tumor ever show up hot in bone scan ... everything i read online says benign would show up cold

Accepted Answer

Possibly: A bone scan is a very sensitive test but it is not very specific.  It will simply "light up" anywhere there is increased bone activity.  Fractures, infection, cancers, and benign bone processes can light up on a bone scan.  Osteoid Osteoma and Paget's disease are just two examples of benign processes that can light up on a bone scan.  Discuss with your doctor, if any question, may need biopsy.

Question 4

mri shows t2 hyperintensity in the right hepatic lobe measuring 2.1 cm.  hepatic ultrasound strongly advised.   is this a lesion, mass, malignant?

Accepted Answer

Get US: Get the ultrasound to further characterize the lesion. Likely benign but doppler ultrasound will further determine features that define etiology especially if solid or cystic, vascular (blood vessel) or not vascular if necessary a biopsy will provide definitive answer if it is not benign vascular lesion on us.

Question 5

can a neck mri with contrast show any malignant lymph nodes near collarbone or where posterior neck joins the shoulder?

Accepted Answer

Yes and no : An MRI can do many things, like show if you have enlarged lymph nodes - however in order to determine if they are benign or malignant you would need a biopsy of the tissue in question.  I will often order an ultrasound first when evaluating lumps in the neck, and only order MRI if the ultrasound is inconclusive or unable to do needle biopsy.

Question 6

does a blood test show if all cancer from a malignant tumor has been removed or is it usually done by mri/ct?

Accepted Answer

No it does not: You need to see your oncologist and he needs to decide what test to do. There is no security in this life, only good opportunity to do the right thing. Good luck.

Question 7

what test should be done to determine if lump at base of spine is benign or malignant? mri?

Accepted Answer

Biopsy: is the absolute answer. All the imaging that we do can only give your doctor an idea of what it is. Both CT and MRI are excellent for that. But they do not substitute for tissue diagnosis except in rare occasions. Lipoma made up of fatty tissue or cysts can be diagnosed amongst others. When in doubt biopsy is usually needed.

Question 8

can mri detect tumors(benign/malignant)? the mri only shws a lesion but do not knw if its benign. is it necessary to do a pet scan to find out more?

Accepted Answer

Yes: The  MRI is an effective way of defining a tumor.  The histologic diagnosis is suspected  mostly by presence and possible involvement of adjacent tissue.  When there is a question of trying to define the presence of a primary in the face of metastastic disease, the PET/CAT most often defines the presence of a Ca.

Question 9

can an us tell the difference between an benign tumor or malignant on the kidney or is it to hard to tell? is mri the better route?

Accepted Answer

Can be tricky: U/S is good for simple cysts with no solid parts or wall irregularity (pictured). Beyond that it is a betting game. U/S has a much harder time characterizing solid masses.
   MRI and/or good contrast CT provide MUCH more info, but even then tissue diagnosis by imaging alone is sometimes tricky. Needle biopsy is back in vogue: http://www.jurology.com/article/S0022-5347(07)00779-3/pdf

Question 10

can an mri tell if a brain tumor is benign or malignant?

Accepted Answer

Maybe, or not: Sometimes appearance is characteristic, sometimes not. Other imaging, including pet/ct can help differentiate.

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Doctor answers about:

Had mri showed no miligant

A member asked:

How well does mri detect lymph nodes in the neck. does it show if they are malignant or not based on structure?

A member asked:

Mri shows benign looking 1.6 cm supraclavicular node-dr recommends i see hemotologist oncologist. possibly malignant even if benign looking? lymphoma?

A member asked:

I have a known bone tumor it was found in a mri ... i had a bone scan done and the tumor showed up hot ... does that mean it's malignant? would a. benign tumor ever show up hot in bone scan ... everything i read online says benign would show up cold

A member asked:

Mri shows t2 hyperintensity in the right hepatic lobe measuring 2.1 cm. hepatic ultrasound strongly advised. is this a lesion, mass, malignant?

A member asked:

Can a neck mri with contrast show any malignant lymph nodes near collarbone or where posterior neck joins the shoulder?

A member asked:

Does a blood test show if all cancer from a malignant tumor has been removed or is it usually done by mri/ct?

A member asked:

What test should be done to determine if lump at base of spine is benign or malignant? mri?

A member asked:

Can mri detect tumors(benign/malignant)? the mri only shws a lesion but do not knw if its benign. is it necessary to do a pet scan to find out more?

A member asked:

Can an us tell the difference between an benign tumor or malignant on the kidney or is it to hard to tell? is mri the better route?

A member asked:

Can an mri tell if a brain tumor is benign or malignant?

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