Full MRI Body Scan Opinions

[StewB1]

Been a long time since back on this site. I am a cancer and stroke survivor who had extension radiation and chemo and its been 7 and 4 years now. Currently experiencing some major migraines and other health problems. I need some piece of mind to quell the anxiety I feel and therefore want to get a complete analysis of my body. Does anyone have experience and recommendations with quality and value oriented hospitals that are exceptional at this.

[SAFETY FIRST]

On 5/9/2025 at 9:34 AM, StewB1 said:

Been a long time since back on this site. I am a cancer and stroke survivor who had extension radiation and chemo and its been 7 and 4 years now. Currently experiencing some major migraines and other health problems. I need some piece of mind to quell the anxiety I feel and therefore want to get a complete analysis of my body. Does anyone have experience and recommendations with quality and value oriented hospitals that are exceptional at this.

I'll Ask the mods to move to health/medical forum, you should get some advice. 

 

[Sheryl]

Full body MRI scans are never indicated. Waste of  money and will do more to confuse than clarify things.

 

 Testing needs to be targeted and based on a differential diagnosis. 

 

For which you first need to br evaluated by an appropriate specialist. The doctor not the hospital is what matters.  

 

Please indicate where you are located, what type of cancer you had , what symptoms/concerns you have besides headache, and any other medical history. 

 

 

[PPMMUU]

Brain imaging for headaches in cancer survivors is understandable and potentially beneficial. Whole-body imaging, not so much.

[The Fugitive]

My Thai wife has breast cancer. Apart from a chest and abdomen CT scan she was sent for a Gamma Bone Scan (Scintigraphy). The report was most interesting and informative (for me as a lay person anyway). The 'Impression' (bottom line) was; 'No evidence of Bone Metastasis'. However, other potentially useful 'warnings' were given. For example; 'increased uptake of radiotracer was noted in the lumbar vertebrae probably due to degenerative change'. Also; 'increased radiotracer activity in the bilateral kidneys is noted'. Cancer doctor confirmed no problem, she agreed that the wear and tear is normal at 56 years. Chemotherapy causes the kidneys to appear in that way. Just a suggestion, but could this test be helpful to the OP as it appears to be more 'targeted' towards cancer?

[Sheryl]

1 hour ago, The Fugitive said:

My Thai wife has breast cancer. Apart from a chest and abdomen CT scan she was sent for a Gamma Bone Scan (Scintigraphy). The report was most interesting and informative (for me as a lay person anyway). The 'Impression' (bottom line) was; 'No evidence of Bone Metastasis'. However, other potentially useful 'warnings' were given. For example; 'increased uptake of radiotracer was noted in the lumbar vertebrae probably due to degenerative change'. Also; 'increased radiotracer activity in the bilateral kidneys is noted'. Cancer doctor confirmed no problem, she agreed that the wear and tear is normal at 56 years. Chemotherapy causes the kidneys to appear in that way. Just a suggestion, but could this test be helpful to the OP as it appears to be more 'targeted' towards cancer?

What tests he needs will depend on the type of cancer he had and his current symptoms. 

 

Cancer is many different diseases, not one disease. 

[jori123]

Too true,what is it?200 types of cancer. Used to have scans every two years or so,until final one 2 years ago cancer detected. Had scans india,calcutta as costs ,so damned cheap,  think full body in india about 5 to 10 thousand

[Ralf001]

1 minute ago, jori123 said:

  think full body in india about 5 to 10 thousand

Rupee ?

[The Fugitive]

2 hours ago, jori123 said:

Too true,what is it?200 types of cancer. Used to have scans every two years or so,until final one 2 years ago cancer detected. Had scans india,calcutta as costs ,so damned cheap,  think full body in india about 5 to 10 thousand

Sounds as if the OP doesn't wish to discuss it? Did you previously have cancer? If so, how long after your treatment was it before scans (MRI, CT or other) picked it up?  Was it recurrent or metastatic?