microscope.

microscope

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
This use of this test to look at the breast was discussed earlier in this section.
MRI scans are also used to look for cancer that has spread to various parts of the body,
just like CT scans. MRI scans are particularly helpful in looking at the brain and spinal
cord.
There are some differences between using this test to look at the breast and other areas of
the body. First, you will lie face up in the machine. Second, the contrast material called
gadolinium is not always needed to look at other areas of the body. Also, you might have
the option of having the scan in a less confining machine known as an "open" MRI
machine. The images from an open machine are not always as good, though, so this
might not always be an option.
Ultrasound
The use of this test to look at the breast was discussed earlier in this section. But
ultrasound can also be used to look for cancer that has spread to some other parts of the
body.
Abdominal ultrasound can be used to look for tumors in your liver or other abdominal
organs. When you have an abdominal ultrasound exam, you simply lie on a table and a
technician moves the transducer on the skin over the part of your body being examined.
Usually, the skin is first lubricated with gel.