MRI diagnosis of thyroid cancer

Modern medical examination methods are generally diverse, and this is especially true for cancer treatment, including thyroid cancer. MRI diagnosis of thyroid cancer is a relatively advanced examination method for thyroid cancer. So what are the specifics of MRI diagnosis of thyroid cancer? In the following content, we will explain it in detail.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination: It is a technology that reconstructs images by collecting signals generated by magnetic resonance phenomena. Therefore, it is also called tomographic imaging and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging. MRI can visualize lesions that cannot be shown by CT, which is another major development in the field of medical imaging. It is a new imaging diagnosis technology that was only applied in clinical practice in the early 1980s. Compared with CT, it has unique advantages such as no radiation damage, no bone artifacts, multi-faceted and multi-parameter imaging, high soft tissue resolution, and the ability to display vascular structures without the use of contrast agents.

The MRI manifestation of a normal thyroid gland is slightly higher signal than the surrounding muscles on TI-weighted images and high signal on LT-weighted images with clear boundaries. Its size and position are the same as those seen on CT, but MRI can be scanned in transverse, coronal and sagittal planes. Coronal images show that the bilateral thyroid glands are located on both sides of the trachea in the lower neck, with a fusiform shape and a wide inner base. The following are the MRI manifestations of common thyroid lesions:

(1) MRI manifestations of multinodular goiters: The enlarged thyroid gland shows mixed signals on T1- and T2-weighted images. In cases of cystic changes, the cystic fluid shows low signals on T1-weighted images and high signals on T2-weighted images. After injection of paramagnetic contrast agents, the cyst wall is enhanced; the non-cystic part shows uneven changes.

(2) MRI manifestations of diffuse goiter: Primary hyperthyroidism shows uniform high signal on T1 and T2 weighted images, with blood vessel flow void signals and clear gland boundaries. Hashimoto's thyroiditis shows low signal on T1 weighted images, with clear boundaries and lobed shape, and slightly high or high signal on T1 weighted images. There are strip-like low signal fibrous septa G in the enlarged thyroid gland.

(3) Mm manifestations of thyroid cysts: TI-weighted images show low or high signal, and T1-weighted images show high signal. If there is bleeding, T1-weighted images also show high signal. In some cases, on T2-weighted images, a ring-shaped low signal shadow can be seen around the cyst, which is caused by hemosiderin deposition. After contrast agent injection, the peripheral ring-shaped enhancement can be seen, while the middle liquid part has no enhancement.

(4) MRI manifestations of thyroid adenoma: It appears as a round or quasi-round low signal or nearly equal signal on T2-weighted images. If there is bleeding, it may appear as an irregular high signal. After injection of contrast agent, the tumor will show uneven enhancement. The cystic wall will be enhanced in cystic changes, and there will be no enhancement in the liquefied area.

(5) Manifestations of thyroid malignant tumors: Slightly low or high signal on T1-weighted images, uneven high signal on T2-weighted images, unclear tumor margins, and infiltrative growth. After contrast agent injection, the tumor is significantly enhanced, and the extent of tumor infiltration can be determined, and enlarged lymph nodes around the tumor can also be found.

No matter which method is used to examine and identify the disease, you should choose one that suits you and is safe and effective. Of course, you should also consider cost-effectiveness and ease of use in future treatment. Therefore, the method of examining thyroid cancer introduced here can come in handy when needed.