MRI SCAN OF TOUNGE

What the test checks

• Maps tumour size, depth and spread
• Shows lymph-node involvement
• Differentiates cancer from benign lumps, cysts or infection

Why choose Cadabams Diagnostics

• 3T MRI + specialised head-neck coil
• Sub-24-hour report turnaround
• Online booking, digital reports, and transparent pricing

• Tongue thickness and symmetry
• Depth of invasion (DOI) – key cancer-staging metric
• Signal pattern: solid vs. necrotic
• Lymph-node size, number and extracapsular spread
• Involvement of floor of mouth, mandible, neuro-vascular bundles

• Staging malignant lesions (TNM classification)
• Pre-surgical mapping – save critical nerves and vessels
• Post-treatment follow-up – separate scar from recurrence
• Evaluation of tongue-tie or implant planning (selected cases)

Benefits of an MRI of Tongue Scan

• Zero radiation – ideal for children, young adults and serial scans
• Multi-planar views – true 3-D understanding
• High soft-tissue contrast – detect 2 mm lesions
• Same-day digital report – faster therapy decisions

Illnesses Diagnosed with MRI Scan of Tongue

• Tongue squamous cell carcinoma (90% of tongue cancers)
• Benign tumours – granular cell tumour, schwannoma, lipoma
• Vascular malformations & cysts
• Abscess, cellulitis, non-infectious inflammation (e.g., sarcoidosis)

• Fasting 4 hours if contrast is planned; water is allowed.
• Remove all jewellery, hairpins, hearing aids.
• Inform staff about pregnancy, allergies, prior contrast reaction.
• Bring previous scans/CDs for comparison.

Pre-requisites

• Written prescription from ENT / oncologist / physician
• Recent kidney function test (Creatinine/eGFR) within 4 weeks if gadolinium is expected
• Diabetic patients on metformin may need to withhold drug on the day of scan.

Best Time to Take the MRI Scan of Tongue

• Early-morning slots minimise waiting and claustrophobia.
• Avoid acute throat infections – motion artefacts from swallowing.
• Women in first trimester may defer unless urgent.

Eligibility

• Adults of any age
• Children ≥5 years (younger kids need sedation)
• Pregnant patients – non-contrast MRI only when benefits outweigh risks

Procedure for Taking an MRI Scan of Tongue

1. Change into metal-free gown.
2. Lie supine; head-neck coil positioned like a helmet.
3. Foam pads minimise movement.
4. Contrast injection (if ordered) via IV line.
5. Scanner table moves in; you hear knocking sounds – ear-plugs provided.
6. Stay still; occasional breath-hold commands.
7. Total table time: 20–40 minutes.
8. IV line removed; dressing applied.
9. You may leave immediately unless sedated.

Caution Before Taking the Test

• Remove credit cards, phones – magnet can corrupt data.
• Notify technologist about tattoos, permanent eyeliner (some contain iron).
• Renal impairment? Contrast dose is adjusted or withheld.