Finding the right tests…
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Emergency services available 24 x 7
Finding the right tests…
MRI
Not every facial scan needs a dye injection - this version images the soft tissue of your face using only magnets and radio waves, with nothing added through a vein. RadiologyInfo.org's own guidance for evaluating a soft-tissue mass lists a non-contrast MRI as an appropriate option in its own right, not only as a fallback when contrast can't be used. Your doctor may choose it when the clinical question doesn't specifically need contrast, or when contrast isn't appropriate for you - a history of kidney problems or a previous reaction to gadolinium, for example. It still shows the muscles, fat, glands, and other soft-tissue structures of the face in detail. No radiation is involved either way.
This scan images the soft tissue of your face - muscle, fat, salivary glands, and any visible abnormality - without a contrast injection. It's useful for looking at structure and extent, though contrast is usually added instead if your doctor needs to tell an active abnormal area apart from surrounding tissue clearly.
RadiologyInfo.org's appropriateness criteria for a soft-tissue mass list MRI without IV contrast as an appropriate option alongside the contrast version, not simply a lesser substitute. Your doctor may pick this version when contrast isn't needed to answer the specific question being asked, or isn't appropriate for you.
Even without a dye injection, the scan images the muscles, fat, salivary glands, and other soft tissue of the face in detail - the same structures a contrast scan covers, just without the added enhancement of an abnormal area.
- A mass needs to be told apart clearly from surrounding tissue - Your doctor is trying to define how far an abnormality reaches - Cancer is suspected and staging detail is needed
Contrast is sometimes avoided specifically because of reduced kidney function or a prior reaction to gadolinium, in which case this non-contrast version becomes the default rather than a compromise.
Like every MRI, this scan uses magnets and radio waves instead of X-rays, so no radiation is involved.
Contrast isn't always needed to answer the clinical question, and RadiologyInfo.org lists the non-contrast version as an appropriate option on its own for evaluating a soft-tissue mass. Your doctor decides based on what they're trying to find.
Not for every purpose - it still shows facial muscle, fat, glands, and soft tissue in detail. Contrast mainly adds value when telling an abnormal area apart from normal tissue clearly matters, such as suspected cancer.
Reduced kidney function or a previous reaction to gadolinium are common reasons your doctor might choose the non-contrast version. Mention either of these to your doctor if they apply to you.
This page is general information about the test, not medical advice. Your own report's reference ranges apply — please discuss your results with your doctor.
No. It uses magnets and radio waves rather than X-rays, so there's no radiation exposure.
Yes, it images the soft-tissue structures of the face in detail and can show a mass's size and location. Whether contrast would add useful information is something your doctor decides case by case.
Preparation generally involves removing metal jewelry and similar items beforehand. Ask your doctor or the centre about anything specific to you.
Possibly, if your doctor needs to characterize a finding more precisely. That decision is made based on what this scan shows.