Hello, all.

I have just had an MRI of the my mouth/neck done due to a lump on the floor of my mouth that could only be felt. Turns out it was only a bit of a lymph node. No other masses were found.

With that said, I am a very paranoid person, and I was just wondering how reliable are MRI with the detection of oral cancer?

Thanks, Mike.

I forget it's percentages, but it's higjly accurate to identify suspicions, but depends on the area being scanned, and some scans are better to use than others depending on that. MRI is usually good for soft tissue, vascular, nerve invasion, Lymph nodes, etc. and CT is good for bony structure, and others. The MRI is just as good, if not slightly better than a CT for identifying lymph node involvement. Sometimes doctors use a combination of scans for diagnosis if not satisfied with one or is inconclusive. The only thing that can really tell if it's cancer or not is a biopsy.

There is probably a link on OCF that describes the MRI better. and other imaging techniques used or use the search function.

Also, just as important is the interpretation of the scan by the RO or Technician to identify abnormalities, and their experience in doing so. If you have any concerns, ask the doctor. You can always get a 2nd opinion, if you get a cd of the MRI, and the report.

I hope this helps. Good luck with everything.

Also it seems to me that until a biopsy of the mass is done to show for sure if it's cancer or not I wouldn't worry about it. Worry and waiting are two of the main culprits that those of us with cancer have to deal with. Have your doc do a biopsy if you're that concerned but try not to worry excessively about the results. Chances are pretty good that you have nothing to be concerned about and you have found the best place POSSIBLE to bring those concerns if it turns out otherwise. Hopefully you won't have to come back, but we're here for you if/when you need.
I noticed from another post of yours that you were a smoker-thus the paranoia, right? I'm right there with ya, my friend! Feel free to post any further concerns or suspicions but get on and enjoy your life!
Gordon

thank you Paul for all your really knowledgeable replies here on the forums. It feels like I am now off the bench and on the field now, having completed cycle one of induction TPF. What you write is finally starting to make more sense. LOL don

Thanks.