---
title: "Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)"
url: https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/m/magnetic-resonance-imaging-(mri)/
description: "Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses radio waves and magnets to make detailed pictures of the body's organs and soft tissues. These images can be seen in..."
---

# Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses radio waves and magnets to make detailed pictures of the body's organs and soft tissues. These images can be seen in 3-D (3 dimensions).

Archived from the 2024 edition

## Overview

MRI can be tailored to help answer almost any clinical question. It can show soft tissues in great detail. It can spot masses and cystic structures. It can clearly show blood vessels and lymph nodes.

For example, if a mass is found in the kidney, MRI can tell the difference between a hollow cystic mass and a solid mass. It can show clear 3-D images of its shape. Based on 3-D MRI images, a urologist or radiologist can see if a mass is cancerous or benign (not cancerous).

## In this entry

The archived page carried these sections, in this order.

- How is MRI unlike Other Tests?
- When is it Used?
- Procedure
- Risks
- Limitations
- After the Test
- Explore Further

## Other entries in Tests, Imaging and Procedures

- [Angiography](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/a_/angiography/)
- [Biopsy](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/b/biopsy/)
- [Complete Blood Count (CBC)](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/c/complete-blood-count-(cbc)/)
- [Contrast and Radionuclide Cystography](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/c/contrast-and-radionuclide-cystography/)
- [CT Scan](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/c/ct-scan/)
- [Cystometry](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/c/cystometry/)
- [Cystoscopy](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/c/cystoscopy/)
- [Ultrasound Imaging](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/u/ultrasound-imaging/)

### Source of this entry

- Original address**/urology-a-z/m/magnetic-resonance-imaging-(mri)/**
- Edition**2024 edition**
- Group**Tests, Imaging and Procedures**

### This is not medical advice

These pages are archived reference copies of material published on this domain. They are not medical advice, not a diagnosis and not a substitute for talking with a health professional.

### Related topics

- [About OAB](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/its-time-to-talk-about-oab/about-oab/)
- [Overactive Bladder: Patient Guide](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/overactive-bladder/)
- [Urologic Conditions](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urologic-conditions/)
- [Educational Materials](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/educational-materials/)

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