My doctor referred me to a Chest X-Ray due to mild pain from the rib area?

Question

Should I ask him to refer me to a Chest MRI instead in order to avoid radiation? Also, I understand MRI can actually detect more than X-Ray. THANKS.

Answer 1

my mother has been a nursing for over 30 years.  She developed thyroid cancer because of being exposed to radiation.

anyways..if you do have an x-ray ask for a thyroid protector.  They say the thyroid loves radiation.

Answer 2

the dose of radiation from one x-ray is very low and won't hurt you. MRIs do see more but that is along the line of soft tissue, not bone. One isn't indicated here, and since they are expensive you'd have to pay for the elective MRI out of your pocket. I doubt you are willing to do that. The xray will do fine.

Answer 3

Troy is absolutely correct--an MRI isn't indicated to look at the ribs.

If you are that concerned about the radiation, you can ask the doctor how they feel about watchful waiting.  Probably what they are investigating is either a cracked rib or costochondritis, neither of which really needs to be treated with anything except pain medication/anti-inflammatories and rest.  If you don't feel better in a few weeks, you can revisit the idea of having the X-ray done.

That's a guess on my part, since I don't know your medical history.  If there's more to your condition than just the mild pain, or the doctor is looking for something else, they can explain why it's important to get the X-ray now.  The radiation exposure from one x-ray is extremely minimal.

Answer 4

MRI is great for seeing soft tissue, but it doesn't show broken bones as well as an X-ray.