What a Full Body Scan Detects (+ Why You Might Need One)

Full body scans are an important component of preventative healthcare, utilising the latest medical imaging technology to screen the body’s soft tissues, organs, and blood vessels. This can aid in the early detection of serious conditions and the identification of abnormalities.

But what does a full body scan detect? Here’s a look at the main screening types and who can benefit from a scan.

What is a full body scan?

A full body scan is a non-invasive screening of the entire body. Unlike a targeted scan that focuses on specific areas, such as the brain or heart, full body scans generate high-quality 3D images of the whole body. This comprehensive view can help identify health issues early and help guide further, more in-depth analysis.

These scans play a valuable role in preventive medicine, detecting illnesses even before symptoms appear.

MRI scan

A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan is one of the most advanced modern screening techniques, allowing doctors to detect a range of illnesses and potential health concerns at an early stage. Full body MRI scans are safe and non-invasive, using a combination of strong magnets and radio wave bursts to create detailed 3D images of the main body organs and structures, from head to pelvis. Patients lie inside a long cylindrical scanner while a computer generates high-resolution images of organs, soft tissues, and blood vessels. Doctors can then analyse these to assess overall health.

CT scan

A computed tomography (CT) scan produces high-quality cross-sectional images of the body, similar to an MRI scan. The main difference is that CT scans use X-ray images processed by computer software. A CT scanner is typically smaller than an MRI scanner and has a doughnut-shaped design. The patient lies on a table while a rotating scanner moves around the body. Multiple 2D images are captured and processed to create a detailed 3D representation of the body.

Full body CT scans assess bones, organs, and blood vessels. The scan is significantly faster than an MRI, making it ideal for emergency diagnoses involving injuries, trauma, or internal bleeding. CT scans are also commonly used to examine the lungs and heart. However, the use of X-rays exposes patients to ionising radiation. This carries a small risk of cancer, particularly with frequent use. Because of this, CT full body scans are generally reserved for medically necessary cases, such as during a medical emergency, rather than routine preventative screening.

What can a full body MRI detect?

A full body MRI scan provides a comprehensive screening of your entire body. The specific areas covered can vary across scanning centres but typically include:

• Head & brain
• Neck
• Spine
• Chest (some full body scans may exclude detailed imaging of the heart and lungs)
• Abdomen (liver, kidneys, spleen, pancreas & gallbladder)
• Pelvis (bladder & male/female reproductive organs, including the prostate, uterus, ovaries and bladder)
• Blood vessels (major arteries & veins)
• Musculoskeletal system (muscles, tendons, ligaments & joints)

Cancer

Scans are effective in detecting a range of cancers by identifying growths, tumours, and lesions. They can help with early detection and monitoring of:

• Bladder cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Liver cancer
• Lymphoma (Hodgkin’s & Non-Hodgkin’s)
• Ovarian cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Stomach cancer
• Thyroid cancer

However, full body MRIs have limitations and may not detect certain types of cancer due to their location or small size. Additionally, some cancers, including some listed above (e.g. colorectal, lung, and stomach cancers) are difficult to detect with MRI and may be better diagnosed with a CT scan. Full body MRIs are not typically used to identify:

• Breast cancer
• Leukaemia
• Skin cancer

Brain and spinal cord abnormalities

Full body MRI scans can assist in diagnosing neurological conditions and spinal issues such as:

• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Brain and spine tumours
• Brain injury
• Dementia
• Epilepsy
• Herniated discs
• Hydrocephalus
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Spinal cord compression
• Spinal Stenosis

Heart and blood vessel conditions

Full body MRIs are not designed for detailed cardiac imaging, and alternative scan types would usually be recommended for diagnosing particular heart conditions. However, our Comprehensive package does include cardiac imaging, and even our Base and Plus packages can still show signs of many vascular conditions. These include:

• Aortic aneurysms
• Artery disease

Liver and kidney disorders

MRI body scans can help identify a range of illnesses, including:

• Cirrhosis
• Fatty Liver Disease
• Hepatitis B & C
• Kidney stones
• Polycystic Kidney Disease
• Renal Artery Stenosis
• Tumours and cysts

Chest conditions

Many full body MRI scans do not provide a detailed assessment of the lungs and heart. A specialised lung CT or cardiac MRI may be necessary for a comprehensive evaluation. However, a full body MRI could still detect signs of several chest-related conditions, including:

• Growths in chest muscles or soft masses
• Hiatus hernia
• Leaky heart valves
• Signs of lung infections, such as pneumonia or tuberculosis

Musculoskeletal conditions

Full body MRIs offer detailed analysis of muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissues in the torso, spine and pelvis. This makes them extremely useful for detecting conditions such as:

• Arthritis
• Cartilage damage
• Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Soft tissue infections
• Spondylolisthesis
• Tears and inflammation
• Tendonitis

Reproductive system conditions

These scans provide high-quality images of pelvic organs to help detect reproductive system conditions in both women and men, including:

• Adenomyosis
• Fallopian tube conditions
• Ovarian cysts
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
• Prostate diseases and signs of prostate cancer
• Testicular and scrotal conditions

Soft tissue infections or lesions

MRI scans are preferred for soft tissue evaluation due to their high-resolution imaging, which allows for better differentiation between muscles, organs, tendons, ligaments, and fat. Here are some of the infections that they can help identify:

• Cellulitis
• Fasciitis
• Fungal soft tissue infections
• Infections caused by implants
• Myositis
• Osteomyelitis
• Trauma-related lesions
• Tumorous lesions

Signs of stroke or aneurysm

MRIs can detect signs of strokes and aneurysms by identifying abnormalities in the brain and vascular system, such as:

• Abnormal connections between arteries and veins
• Blood flow blockages or clots
• Bulging arteries
• Hemorrhage on the brain
• Temporary blood flow disruptions
• Vascular narrowing

Lymph node enlargement

A full body MRI scan can detect swollen lymph nodes, a condition known as lymphadenopathy. These nodes are present in body parts such as the chest, neck, abdomen, pelvis, and soft tissues. Enlargement can be a sign of infection, inflammatory disease, or sometimes more serious illnesses, including cancer.

Who should get a full body MRI?

You should consider a full body MRI scan if you:

• Have a high risk of serious diseases. Risk factors can include a family history of certain diseases, being overweight, aged 50+, or having a lifestyle that includes smoking, frequent alcohol consumption, or a poor diet.
• Are concerned about diseases that can affect multiple parts of the body, for example autoimmune or infectious diseases.
• Experience non-specific or unexplained symptoms.
• Are asymptomatic but want to identify early warning signs of illness or disease.
• Are recovering from a serious illness, such as cancer, and want to monitor your progress.
• Are an athlete prone to injuries or impacts to the head or spine.

Why a doctor would order a full body scan

Generally speaking, NHS GPs do not typically refer patients for a full body scan. If you are experiencing specific symptoms, your doctor may recommend a more focused screening or scan, such as a brain MRI or a cardiac MRI. Whole body scans are only ordered in certain cases where they might be useful. Situations include:

• If you experience non-specific symptoms such as general pain or unexplained weight loss, where a full body scan may help pinpoint the issue.
• In high risk cases, for example if you have a family history of different types of cancer where a full body scan may aid early detection.
• In emergency situations, where a full body CT scan may be suitable to identify injury or trauma.

Since most full body scans are only available privately, you don’t need a GP referral to book one. You can access them yourself through a simple booking process where everything is handled for you, including pre- and post-scan consultations.

Who can get a full body MRI?

In the UK, anyone aged 18 or older can get an MRI scan. However, due to the magnetic equipment used, individuals with metal implants, such as pacemakers or prosthetics, are generally unable to undergo an MRI. Additionally, pregnant women are advised to avoid MRI scans during the first trimester, unless absolutely necessary.

Benefits

The key benefits of full body MRI scans are:

• Early detection and monitoring: Full body MRI scans can help identify and monitor a range of diseases and illnesses from an early stage, which is particularly beneficial for people in high-risk groups. A 2015 study showed that over 37% of cancer cases in the UK are linked to known risk factors.
• Safety and comfort: MRIs are safe, painless, and non-invasive.
• Comprehensive health overview: They provide a detailed view of your body’s internal structure, enabling you to monitor your health and maintain overall wellbeing.

Risks

While full body MRI scans are generally safe, there are a few low-level risks to be aware of. These include:

• False positives and overdiagnosis: Full body MRIs can detect insignificant abnormalities that can lead to unnecessary follow-up tests and treatments.
• Use of contrast agents: Our full body scans do not require contrast agents. But, if they are used, gadolinium-based contrast agents can cause mild side effects such as nausea, dizziness, or rashes.
• Magnetic interference: The strong magnetic field can interfere with metal objects, making MRIs unsuitable for those with metal implants. Metal jewellery and piercings must also be removed before the scan.

What to expect at your scan

MRI scans are quite straightforward, and you usually won’t need to do any advance preparation. On the day of the scan, simply arrive a few minutes before your appointment time. A radiographer will perform the scan and ask you to remove any metal from your body, e.g. piercings, as well as metal items of clothing such as belts.

You will lie on a flat padded table that moves inside a long, tube-shaped scanner. The whole scanning process usually takes between 60-90 minutes.

Getting your results

After a radiologist has analysed your scan, they will send their report to your clinician, who will typically contact you within 7 working days to discuss the findings and explain the next steps. This may include further testing or treatment if anything unusual appears on the scan. You will also receive an email containing your scan report along with instructions to request copies of your images if they’re needed for onward care.

Full body scan costs

A full body MRI scan typically costs around £1500-£2500 and is usually only available for self-pay patients. They’re normally only covered by health insurance if deemed medically necessary. You may wish to check with your insurer about additional coverage options that include preventative scans.

Where to get a full body scan

Booking a full body scan with us is quick and easy. Simply select a suitable scanning centre and provide your personal details online. Our clinicians offer both pre- and post-scan advice, helping you understand the results and supporting you in taking any necessary next steps.

Sources used

• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/15219-swollen-lymph-nodes
• https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/urgent-gp-direct-access-to-diagnostic-services-for-people-with-symptoms-not-meeting-the-threshold-for-an-urgent-suspected-cancer-referral/
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• https://www.nature.com/articles/s41416-018-0029-6
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6850647/
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8530856/