Can MRI be used to check lungs, pelvis, abdomen?

Yes, it can. I had an MRI initially when we were trying to figure out what was happening to me, and that's how they found the spinal lesion (prostate cancer metastasis).

But we still default to CT for routine monitoring here in Ontario. I just had a CT scan with contrast (instead of MRI or PSMA-PET) of my chest, abdomen, and pelvis as a routine 4-year check, simply because there's no indication anything's actually wrong (my PSA is still undetectable, my other bloodwork is good, etc etc). They paired that with a bone scan.

As part of my follow up at Mayo after chemo and radiation for anal cancer in Oct Nov 2024, I had an MRI at Mayo in Feb 2025 and upon return visit in May they did at CT , the combination of those two tests showed them a complete picture of what they were looking for as possible metastic activity in lymph nodes or other organs
results are negative right now
I am on a schedule to go back every 3 months for 2 years ,, I think we need both CT and MRI
Best wishes on your journey,, so many questions as we go along , Let us know how you are doing !!

@clare12351 Do you need to get a colonoscopy this year or are they only doing the CT/MRI for post treatment screening? Has anyone switched oncologists after treatment?

I can understand your concerns in such a setting.

It might help to know there's a difference between these two types of imaging: CT is helpful in detecting changes in internal structures such as the one your doctor wants to assess: lungs, pelvis, abdomen as these would be the more "typical" areas a cancer has the potential to spread. An MRI, on the other hand, is more useful in assessing soft tissue areas - which is why you'll see or hear of people who have brain issues undergoing MRIs more frequently, or of the spine in such cases where that might be the secondary area of spread - such as the spine in prostate cancer as one person commented above.

Does that give some insight as to why your doctor has ordered the CT?

@joli524, you've received some great advice here. I'll echo those comments with my own story. I have early-stage breast cancer, but I've had metastatic lung cancer for 5 years. I'm in the US, and I undergo CT scans every 4 months of the chest, abdomen, pelvis. They are very effective at picking up cancer metastases (which I've had to the liver, and likely adrenal glands). I do have a brain MRI every year too. Different scans are appropriate for different parts of the body.
Have you received the results from your tests yet? Is the CT scheduled, or completed?

MRI is best for area other than lung.... Due to the characteristics of lung tissue CT is best. CT is often done first for abdomen and chest because MRI is more expensive, and insurance wants CT first. Any suspect issues seen on CT in areas other than lung should be explored with MRI

I have had CT, 2 MRI and a PET biopsy have been negative and get sent off for a second opinion. One lymph node now is suspicious malignancy and sent for a second opinion

I believe I will get a colonoscopy this year, yes
Due to the radiation burns on skin in rectal area,, and the presence of a fissure we are trying to heal, they have postponed another colonsocopy until I can tolerate it
I have not had to switch oncologists,, Dr Jin at Mayo Rochester is excellent and I trust him always. Good solid rapport with an oncologist you like and have confidence in is essential
Dr Jin has wonderful PA's and nurses working on his team so I have access to them via the portal or in person when I return to Mayo every 3 months. I cant imagine this journey without the support . I did not have that support locally in my home town,, and it was awful trying to make decisions and navigate the hard questions and pain essentially, alone. Thus,, I left for Mayo. I also did not have access to this Mayo Connect resource w great mentors! So grateful .

My experience: a CT scan caught mild hyperplasia on my left adrenal gland. This was not the focus of the CT, which was to view abnormalities in the abdomen area that might indicate uterine cancer or other growth.

Now, I’m having an MRI. The explanation I received was that CT was superior in finding the small hyperplasia; that is more often missed with an MRI. But an MRI can distinguish the cortex from the medulla and using chemical shift imaging (CSI), can assist diagnosis of adrenal adenomas vs other adrenal lesions. As Susan, @grammato3 mentioned, MRI is better at assessing soft tissue.