Can endometriosis in the pelvic area be picked up on a MRI scan?

[spice47]

[worth71]

i'm pretty sure it can't, i had an mri last year and it picked up a large 'suspected' chocolate cyst on my left ovary, they did not diagnose my endo but they did recently with my lap and mine is quite extensive as they couldn't remove it at lap, so my endo was probably there last year at my mri xx

[wp22]

No it can't unless it is 2cm or bigger. Small deposits won't show up, But I have heard some hospitals, not sure who, where have these new MRI scanners called T3 and they scan at a much deeper level and give a clearer picture. It may be worth finding out about these perhaps. It would be good to have one of these done after lap to see what is left behind. X

[jojo777]

Endo doesnt show in any scans including MRI unless there are endo cysts, lumps etc. My gynae explained that its because its usually too small and 2D where MRI etc scans are very good for 3D checks in pelvis.

Didnt pick my endo, it was found only when I had my first lap. xx

[lucythom]

Hi,

I have a slightly different experience. I have already been diagnosed with endo so it wasn't to do that but when my pain flared up I had an mri and that showed the endo has returned. I don't know much about it, maybe it was because it was large patches but I have another one next month to have another look to decide about whether I want more surgery.

Lucy xxx

[endo_star]

It really depends, and it's not the gold standard way of diagnosing endometriosis. In my case I have endo nodules which did show up on the MRI scan.

[Chrissie66]

It shouldn't be used diagnostically but if you know that you have it, and the specialists know what they are looking for, then yes it can be picked up. Probably only the larger deposits though.

My gynae offered me a an MRI but seeing as it's so extensive that surgery is a non starter anyway we decided that there wasn't really any point.

So basically it can be picked up, but it might not be. Which is probably not the answer you were looking for!

[samanthac]

my gp told me yesterday that an mri is very variable from person to person on this, that it rarely is seen on an ultrasound though this can show indicators (such as a tilted uterus) but the only thing the gynea will take as proof is a lapro .

[spice47]

Thank you all for your informative replies, I am just a bit concerned before starting another course of oestrogen, have suffered pain, bloating and difficulty going to the loo before but am told I need oestrogen still to maintain general health so feel as though I am between a rock and a hard place unless I can find out whether it is endo causing the problem or not. Thank you ladies for your replies xx I think i should ask for a referral to an endo specialsit as far as I am aware i have never seen one, before or after my hysterectomy.

[Eggcustard]

Hi, I had an MRI and they found suspected endo, only a lap can confirm though x

[Amb43]

I am also interested in this question, as I am due to have an MRI on my back, although I am diagnosed by Lap with Endo on Uterosacral ligaments, they are still proceeding to associate my pain with a back problem (I have had several tests to prove the opposite!) and am hoping that the extent of the Endo on these ligaments will show up and then they will see the need for excision (by a specialist) rather than possibly lasering them. xx