MRI & Cancer Detection: What MRI Can — and Can’t — Reveal

December 20, 2022

Has your doctor recommended an MRI scan to explore your symptoms, or check the progress of your cancer treatment?

Are you considering an MRI scan to see whether your symptoms or family history need to be explored?

Or are you simply looking for reassurance?

Whatever the reason, we’d like to provide some facts and help you decide whether an MRI scan can get you the answers you are looking for.

What is an MRI scan?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a magnetic field combined with radio waves to capture a set of images, called slices, to create a 3D-like set of images of the chosen body area, which are helpful towards providing diagnosis or an update on the status of treatments.

MRI scanners are particularly good at capturing clear, detailed images of soft tissue and organs than other imaging scans, such as X-Ray or CT scans, which make it a particularly useful diagnostic test for detecting tumours and abnormal growths in the body.

Why choose MRI for detecting cancer?

In some situations, your doctor may suggest MRI if an X-Ray or CT scan hasn't been able to investigate the symptoms fully, in order to provide a diagnosis.

An MRI is useful for determining:

  • if a tumour or growth is cancerous

  • the location and size of the cancer

  • whether the cancer has spread to the surrounding organs.

In some cancers, such as cervix or bladder cancer, an MRI scan is better than CT at showing how deeply the tumour has grown into body tissues.

It can be particularly useful for showing whether the tissue is cancerous, and whether the tissue left behind after treatment is cancerous or not.

How can an MRI scan detect cancer?

An MRI can be used to:

  • find a tumour

  • find out the size and whether it has spread 

  • measure blood flow 

  • check how well treatments are working 

  • plan further treatments, such as surgery or radiation therapy

Your clinician may request a contrast-enhanced MRI scan, which is where you receive an injection of contrast medium (a special dye) prior to the scan to enable to MRI scanner to create clearer images.

MRI scans are particularly good at highlighting:

  • brain tumours 

  • primary bone tumours

  • soft tissue sarcomas

  • tumours affecting the spinal cord

  • tumours in the pelvic region (prostate, bladder, uterus and ovaries)

How accurate is MRI in detecting cancer?

MRI scans can capture soft tissues images very clearly inside the body, which is why doctors often suggest an MRI scan for cancer detection.

An MRI scan helps accurately examine many different body parts, including your brain, spinal cord, heart, blood vessels, breasts, bones, joints, and internal organs such as the liver, womb, and prostate gland. It means that they are particularly effective at diagnosing cancer in these places.

However, MRI technology has its limits, and cannot provide adequate images of the colon, lungs or coronary arteries.

What happens during an MRI Scan?

If you have not experienced an MRI scan before, sometimes the process can seem unnerving. In reality, the scan is simple and painless. Here’s what you can expect from your scan:

  • You will be asked to undress and put on a gown or other clothing without zips or any metal, and remove any metal items such as watches and jewellery.

  • You’ll lie down on a narrow, flat table and straps or pillows may be used to help keep you comfortable and to stop you from moving.

  • In the exam room, you’ll be able to talk to the radiologist, who can see and hear you constantly and you are welcome to bring a friend of family member for reassurance.

  • The scan is painless, but the MRI scanner may feel very close to your face and you may feel some discomfort. You may be asked to hold your breath for certain parts of the scan, and you’ll be asked to lie very still.

  • MRI scans generally take between 45 and 60 minutes and should not take more than that. After the scan, you may be asked to wait while the pictures are checked to make sure they’re clear.

When will I get my MRI scan results?

Waiting for your results can be very worrying, especially if you have or suspect you may have cancer.

After your scan is complete, your MRI scan images will be sent to our team of specialist radiologists to write a report of the findings. Once the report is available, we will send a copy to you and your chosen Healthcare Professional via email.

Our results timeframe is dependent on your chosen package, but we can offer your written report in 5 working days on our bronze package, or 2 working days on all other packages.

Schedule your own MRI scan with MRI Plus

At MRI Plus, we believe that our patients should be able to take control of their own health, so we offer:

Multiple convenient locations

We have clinics in Hendon, North London and Leigh-On-Sea in Essex.

Self-Referral MRI Scans

You can simply book online yourself, without the need for a referral letter.

Online Booking

Complete your entire MRI booking online from the comfort of your own home.

Appointments

Schedule in your own appointment date and time on our live diary. We have same-day availability, or you can choose a date in the future.

Transparent Pricing

We offer MRI scans from £199 for 1 body area, Open MRI from £399 and Full body MRI from £999

More Payment Options

Pay securely by card, use your health insurance, or choose our 0% Interest Credit option and spread the cost.

You can see the pricing options and appointment availability for your chosen MRI scan, by using our handy new MRI scan search bar . Simply choose whether you would like an MRI or Open MRI, key in your location and search for the body area you would like scanned to see your options.

< Older Post

 Newer Post >
Private Diagnostic Imaging: MRI, Endoscopy and Outpatient Investigations

Private Diagnostic Imaging: MRI, Endoscopy and Outpatient Investigations

By MRI Plus • August 6, 2026
Private diagnostic imaging helps patients get answers sooner, with a clearer pathway from symptoms to scan, report and next step. For many people, that matters when pain, neurological symptoms, abdominal concerns or suspected injury need prompt review, or when NHS waiting times are too long. MRI Plus provides private diagnostic imaging as a broader service, not just an MRI booking line. That means imaging, endoscopy, outpatient assessment and digital reporting can sit within one joined-up…
Private MRI Scan Cost in London

How Much Does a Private MRI Scan Cost in London?

August 5, 2026
Find out the private MRI scan price in London. Scans start from £199. See our detailed price breakdown by body part and open MRI options.
Private MRI Scan Costs in the UK

Private MRI Scan Costs in the UK: What Affects the Price?

August 4, 2026
Discover the average private MRI scan cost in the UK. Explore factors influencing price, wait times, and what to look for when choosing a private MRI provider.
Self-Pay MRI Scan: Can You Pay for Your Own MRI Privately?

Self-Pay MRI Scan: Can You Pay for Your Own MRI Privately?

By MRI Plus • August 3, 2026
A self pay MRI scan lets you book private imaging and pay for it yourself, rather than waiting for an NHS pathway or relying on a hospital referral. For many patients, that means faster access when symptoms are worrying, pain is persistent, or they need clear results for a GP, consultant, or physiotherapist. It can also help if claustrophobia, travel time, or long waiting lists are making care harder to access. At MRI Plus, the process is designed to be clear, clinically sensible, and easy to…