Aplicação da técnica de imagens via ressonância magnética no diagnóstico de câncer: uma revisão bibliográfica

Abstract

The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has grown significantly, mainly due to its effectiveness in diagnosing various pathologies, resulting from its high sensitivity in detecting morphological and functional alterations in tissues. Unlike other modalities, such as computed tomography and radiography, MRI does not use ionizing radiation, making it a safe and effective option, especially for repetitive or follow-up examinations. MRI is particularly useful in the evaluation of tumors in soft tissues, such as the brain, liver, breast, and prostate, enabling early detection and accurate disease staging. Furthermore, new techniques, such as functional MRI, spectroscopy, and diffusion imaging, have expanded its role in oncology. The examination is based on the use of an extremely strong magnetic field combined with the application of radiofrequency pulses to generate images with high resolution and detail. During the process, the patient’s body interacts with this field and the radio waves, producing specific signals that are captured by highly sensitive coils. These signals are then transmitted to a specialized computerized system, where they undergo a conversion process: first, they are transformed into electrical signals, then digitized, and finally processed by advanced software. The result of this complex procedure is the formation of clear and precise images, which are displayed on the equipment monitor and can be analyzed by healthcare professionals, significantly assisting in medical diagnosis. Based on the analysis of scientific studies, this work highlights the relevance of MRI in clinical oncology practice, demonstrating that its use contributes significantly to therapeutic planning and monitoring of treatment response. Therefore, MRI is an essential tool in the diagnosis and follow-up of cancer, with growing potential as new technologies and applications are developed.