What is Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scanning?
The MRI scan is a special scan of your body. Its full name is "magnetic resonance imaging". This type of imaging gives information about parts of your body and the images can be a valuable aid to doctors when they are making the diagnosis.

What does MRI scanning involve?
MRI scans are usually done as an outpatient. In the scanning room you will lie on a table, which slides your whole body into the tunnel of the machine to take the scan pictures. You may find this a little claustrophobic. There is an intercom to talk to the radiographer who is taking the pictures. It is quite a noisy procedure. Don't be frightened by this. It is most important to relax and keep very still. During some MRI scans of the prostate gland, the doctors may need to place a small inflatable tube into your rectum (back passage) to get the most detailed information about the prostate.

Are there any unwanted effects?
MRI scanning does not use x-rays and there are no known harmful effects. A small number of people cannot have an MRI scan because they have a cardiac pacemaker, metal fragments in the eye, certain types of replacement heart valves or metal clips attached to blood vessels. The strong magnetic field is hazardous to these patients.

What happens after the scan?
You can usually go home straight after the scan. The scan will not have affected you in any way and you will be able to drive home. It will not be possible to give you the result on the day of the scan, as up to several hundred pictures are made and special calculations are often required on the pictures in order for a result to be obtained.

A report on the scan is sent to the doctor ordering it - this is usually your hospital specialist. You will normally be given the result on your next visit to see him/her.