MRI

MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, can produce detailed images of the bones, organs and soft tissues inside a patient’s body. While this type of imaging can be very useful for diagnostic purposes, MRI technology also plays an important role in interventional radiology, a groundbreaking alternative to traditional surgery that is available at Moffitt Cancer Center for the treatment of many forms of cancer.

Patients who are unable to travel to Moffitt for upcoming appointments should contact their health care team via the Patient Portal to determine if you are eligible for telemedicine, virtual visits and other options, and to determine next steps for care.

Using MRI scans for guidance, Moffitt’s highly specialized interventional radiologists perform advanced, minimally invasive techniques to target tumors and destroy cancer cells. Because these procedures are often performed on an outpatient basis, they offer many benefits to patients, including the avoidance of general anesthesia and overnight hospitalization, minimal risks of complications and scarring and faster and easier recoveries. Our multispecialty team, which includes board-certified interventional radiology physicians, mid-level providers, registered interventional radiologic technologists, registered nurses and support staff, emphasizes a highly individualized approach to patient care and collaboratively determines the best approach for each patient.

Some of the MRI-guided procedures performed at Moffitt include:

• Tumor embolization – Using an MRI to guide the process, an interventional radiologist utilizes a glue-like polymer, miniature coil or other embolic agent to shut down the blood flow to a tumor. A lack of blood flow can cause a tumor to shrink or slow its growth.
• Tumor ablation – Guided by MRI imaging, an interventional radiologist inserts a thermal ablation needle directly into a tumor to deliver extreme heat or cold to destroy cancerous cells with minimal damage to nearby healthy tissue.
• Kyphoplasty – Tumors can weaken the spinal vertebrae and cause compression fractures, which can lead to debilitating back pain. In this situation, an interventional radiologist can use MRI image guidance to place cement into a fractured vertebra to help stabilize the spine and alleviate painful symptoms.

Video: What to expect from your MRI scan

We currently offer our MRI services at three convenient locations, including:

Moffitt Cancer Center
12902 USF Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612
Monday – Friday | 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Saturday | 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Moffitt Cancer Center at International Plaza
4101 Jim Walter Blvd., Tampa, FL 33607
Monday – Friday | 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Moffitt McKinley Outpatient Center
10920 N. McKinley Drive, Tampa, FL 33612
Monday – Friday | 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Moffitt continues to break ground in discovering new ways to incorporate MRI technology into innovative cancer treatments, resulting in minimally invasive alternatives to more invasive surgeries. To learn more about Moffitt’s MRI-guided interventional radiology procedures, call 1-888-663-3488 or complete a new patient registration form online.