MRI Scans: What to Expect at Moffitt Cancer Center

At Moffitt Cancer Center we understand that undergoing an MRI can be a daunting experience, especially if you're unfamiliar with the procedure. We're here to guide you through what to expect, address any concerns you may have, and ensure your comfort and peace of mind throughout the process.

An MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, provides a detailed look at organs and structures inside your body without using radiation, which is significant for your safety and well-being. During the procedure, a powerful magnet gathers images of your body from different angles, allowing our healthcare team to assess your condition accurately.

Before your MRI, you'll go through Moffitt's standard procedures, including check-in and filling out a questionnaire. Remember to remove all accessories and inform your technologist of any metal in your body.

Next, you'll stand in front of a metal detector to ensure you have nothing magnetic on your body.
Once inside the MRI room, you'll lay down on a table that slides into the machine. You'll be provided with headphones to listen to music, and our technologist will work to make you as comfortable as possible, offering extra pillows or support under your legs if needed. In some cases, a coil device may be used to enhance image quality.

Throughout the procedure, your technologist will monitor you from a room adjacent to the MRI suite, and you can communicate with them using a microphone. Remember to remain as still as possible and breathe quietly and calmly, even if the exam is paused.

For certain MRIs, a contrast dye may be injected into your veins to improve image clarity. You may also be asked to perform different breathing techniques. Don't hesitate to talk to your technologist if you have difficulty holding your breath or need a break.

At Moffitt, your comfort and well-being are our top priorities. Trust in our experienced team to guide you through your MRI with care and compassion. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out for assistance. Your journey to better health starts here.

00:00 What is an MRI?
00:30 How to Prepare
01:22 During the Exam
02:54 Breathing Techniques
03:40 Finishing the Exam

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Moffitt is dedicated to one lifesaving mission: to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer.

The Tampa-based oncology facility is one of only 52 Comprehensive Cancer Centers. The National Cancer Institute / NCI designated Cancer Centers designation is a distinction that recognizes Moffitt’s scientific excellence, multidisciplinary research, and robust training and education.

Moffitt’s expert nursing staff is recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center with Magnet® status, its highest distinction. With more than 7,500 team members tackling cancer and delivering cancer help every day, Moffitt has an economic impact in the state of $2.4 billion.

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[patogordis]

I had mine done today . It was 20 minutes..I feel that if you get someone who walks you through it, you stay calm. I was given ear plugs and they gave me a little ball, if I needed to talk or stop test I can squeeze it. As soon as I went in tube I can hear buzzing sounds . I was taken out after 10 minutes to get an injection for clear images. And I went in again for another 10 minutes...thank God it went smooth... sending prayers for the ones who are next...I don't know you but good luck 🙏

[Audrey-nguw]

I had mine yesterday and It’s really not that bad. Don’t worry if u have an upcoming one. I had a brain mri and did not need an IV so I’m very grateful for that 😊 (keep in mind that I’m 12 so you can do this 👍🏼💗)

[annamariacantalupo]

What helped me was, as soon as I laid down on the table, I shut my eyes and did not open them until the mri was over... I even stayed in the tube for an hour!!!! The secret is to think of something nice. I admit that as soon as they put me into the tube, my heart was beating fast... Then it all went normal and I was fine. Succeeding in doing the exam without fear, I felt proud of myself.

[alaskaj]

I just had one today and I’m so happy I got through it without having anxiety attack

[Snkrsleyenda]

Had one today 45min long... no music just my time with God and praying

[pope]

I had one today with contrast, I cried the first time so they had to pull me out, second time I just shut my eyes and kept them shut the full way through the exam, good luck everyone you can do this 💪

[glor]

I had a MRI for my brain today. I worked myself up beforehand and got emotional but it wasn't as bad as I thought. It took about 20 minutes all up and I got given earmuffs to wear, a buzzer if I felt uncomfortable and needed to stop and then she put some sort of brace thing over my head.
What helped me was closing my eyes the whole time and just thinking about happy thoughts and funny memories.

[toni_wood]

I recieved a MRI today for my Brain, cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine today. My Pet Scan was rescheduled. Preparation and Research has made me feel better.

[Ani-swvz]

Did this today! Felt like I was the star in a sci-fi movie

[elainegoad]

Absolutely terrifying and tortureous for anyone who is claustraphobic Who invents these tests anyway ? How many medical people are required to go through the tests they so eaisly send their patients to endure with a thought for the mental or physical anguish patents endure ?

[Sweetbutapsycho]

I got mine yesterday & I was worried panicking as well as anxious. I’ll be straight up honest with you the thing that really frightened me was having the plastic thing put over my face & head. I freaked out I’m not going to lie to you. It was the fact that I started hyperventilating because they also made me wear a face mask. You can’t breath out of them at the best of times. They did let me take it off that was the only thing I have to complain about. Don’t worry about it you’ll be fine I promise.

[themisbabalis]

I've done 3 of them. Public mris were free, but the one I did last night, in the private sector, cost me 1300$ for 2 scans. It was the open the widest machine they have and because I had to do a head and cervical scan, I still had to go in. It took an hour. So, my suggestion: take 2 Ativans!

Note: if you're wearing a face mask cause of covid19, remember to remove it cause the mask has a piece of metal wire.

[skipsmith]

I was supposed to have one yesterday of my brain but couldn't do it. With the facemask then the contraption over my head along with the headphones. I just couldn't. I have never known I was claustrophobic before. But this had me where I felt I couldn't breathe and my heart was racing. I told them to get me the hell out of there. And I didn't stutter

[jacquelinesarkis]

I had one today. I did 10 minutes out of 40 minutes, completely freaked out and ended up in the bathroom (still in my gown) puking! Had a major panic attack now I have to rebook with some sedation 🙄

[pmaccymac]

I just had an MRI done. In my case, the thing they placed over my head had a mirror that enabled me to see outside the machine. I was basically staring at my big toe the whole time lol.
Thankfully I didn’t feel any sense of claustrophobia. I think even without the mirror, knowing that the tube is open at the end and focusing on that would help. I also didn’t need the injection. I was told they’d check the clarity of the images and decide and in my case I was good to go.
Yes, there were some very weird noises throughout but just go in knowing you’ll hear clunking, sirens and all sorts of weirdness. Weird noises are normal and you’ll have hearing protection.
A couple of tips. Don’t drink coffee beforehand if you’re at all anxious and make sure you use the bathroom before you head in. Not that it stimulates anything, I just didn’t get to and regretted it.
If I had to summarise the experience, for the most part it was boredom punctuated by weird noises and absolutely not a big deal.

[jellybathwater]

Got mine in an hour. Will report back. I also have anxiety so I'm really not looking forward to this.
Head and neck MRI. We will see how we go.
Well done to all who went before me
Good luck to all those after.

Edit* It took 20 minutes. Its very loud and the sound changes. They give you headphones and play music but mine were way too low. Couldn't hear a thing over the banging of the machine.
Its slightly disorientating, just close your eyes, keep still, breath slow and steady. It will be over before you know it

[mikewilson]

I had mine this morning. Nothing to worry about. I nearly fell asleep ! Interesting experience.

[FRBALL]

I have mine in an hour 😬😬

Edit: Was fine! My arms went dead at the end tho. Good luck to anyone who has one!

[kirbycoc]

i have one in three days for my motor and vocal tics and i have a huge fear of giant machines so idk how that’s gonna work

[evelynlu]

I had a brain MRI scan yesterday, but couldn’t because of the claustrophobic . I should watch this video before, it might be helpful.