In a hemangioma MRI, a doctor will search for a vascular malformation inside the body with the assistance of a magnetic resonance imaging machine. This test is not painful for the patient, although some patients can find it uncomfortable, and the outcome of the test will determine the text steps in diagnosis and treatment. Generally, the hemangioma MRI can be performed as an outpatient procedure and should not take longer than a few hours. Patients can go home or return to work after the test is complete.
When the patient arrives at a hospital or medical imaging facility, she will be asked to change into a hospital gown and to remove all metal, even small jewelry. People concerned about piercings can insert silicone or plastic jewelry to hold the piercings open. It is important to alert the technician about any metal medical devices or implants before the test is performed, as an MRI can be contraindicated for these patients. The patient will lie on a table so she can be wheeled into the MRI machine, and the machine will be turned on to acquire images.
Patients often complain that an MRI is very loud. The machine tends to clank and groan and the space is confined, leading to discomfort for some patients. Ear plugs may be offered, and some MRIs have headphones to pipe in music. There is an emergency stop button for patients who experience extreme discomfort and in patients with a history of claustrophobia, anti-anxiety medications may be provided to help the patient stay relaxed during the hemangioma MRI.
Often, a doctor requests a hemangioma MRI with contrast. In this procedure, before the patient is placed in the machine, an injection of a contrast agent is given. The contrast will highlight a hemangioma, if it is present, and provide a more clear visualization of the structure. This can provide important information for care providers who are developing a treatment plan for the patient.
After a hemangioma MRI, the patient can dress again. Sometimes results are delivered immediately, when a doctor is available to read and discuss the scans. In other instances, the patient may need to return at another time to discuss the results. Sometimes, hemangiomas are benign, and a wait and see approach may be recommended. For growths of concern, patients may be asked to consider surgery to remove the growth. While reviewing treatment options, patients may want to ask about all the available choices and the prognosis with different treatment methods.
