Magnetic resonance imaging of the facial skeleton, sinuses, nasopharynx, oral cavity and salivary glands
Face and ENT MRI in Casablanca
This MRI covers several exams of the head and neck located outside the skull: the sinuses, the nasopharynx (the back of the nose, above the throat), the tongue and the floor of the mouth, as well as the salivary glands, in particular the parotid gland, located in front of the ear. MRI distinguishes soft tissues from one another very well. It helps characterize a mass, define the extent of a lesion or follow up a patient after treatment. The exact region is indicated on your prescription.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
The exam usually takes 20 to 35 minutes, depending on the region and whether an injection is given.
Report turnaround
Report within 48 hours. In an emergency, during opening hours, the report is handed over immediately.
Equipment
GE SIGNA Prime 1.5 T
When is this exam needed?
- Swelling or nodule of the parotid gland or another salivary gland.
- Assessment or follow-up of a tumor of the nasopharynx, the tongue or the mouth.
- Nose blocked on one side only, or repeated nosebleeds on the same side.
- Unusual or complicated sinusitis, or a sinus finding to be clarified after a CT scan.
- Ulcer or hardening of the tongue that persists.
- Pain or numbness in part of the face, according to the doctor's opinion.
How the exam is done
You lie on your back, with your head and neck in a suitable coil. Removable dentures are taken out; fixed orthodontic braces stay in place but must be mentioned, because they can interfere with images of the mouth.
During each sequence, the region being studied must stay still: avoid swallowing, chewing, moving your tongue or talking. The radiographer announces each series, and you swallow your saliva during the breaks. For the tongue or the parotid gland, you may be asked to keep your mouth closed without clenching your teeth. When an injection is planned, it is given through a vein in the arm toward the end. You can eat and drink right afterwards.
Preparation
- Remove removable dentures and any tongue, nose or lip piercings.
- Mention any fixed dental braces, implants or metal crowns.
- Come without facial makeup.
- If you cough often or have difficulty swallowing, let the team know so that the pace of the sequences can be adjusted.
Fasting
No fasting is needed, even if an injection is planned.
Contrast injection
A gadolinium injection is common to study a mass, a tumor or a salivary gland. It is given through a vein in the arm, depending on the indication chosen by the radiologist.
Contraindications and precautions
- Pacemaker or cardiac defibrillator, neurostimulator: only if they are MRI compatible.
- Cochlear implant, old vascular clip or implanted pump.
- Metal fragment in the eye or in the face.
- Insulin pump or glucose sensor (such as FreeStyle Libre): to be removed before the exam. Bring what you need to replace it or put it back afterwards.
- Current or possible pregnancy: please tell us. MRI is performed only if it is necessary, preferably after the first trimester, and without gadolinium unless absolutely necessary.
- Breastfeeding: please tell us. It is generally not necessary to stop breastfeeding after a gadolinium injection.
- Tattoo or permanent makeup on the face (eyebrows, lips).
- Severe kidney failure, before the injection.
Documents to bring
- Prescription and letter from the ENT specialist or the maxillofacial surgeon
- Previous sinus or neck CT scan, neck ultrasound or MRI
- Biopsy, surgery or radiotherapy reports, if applicable
- Recent kidney function test if an injection is planned
- List of medications and insurance or mutual insurance fund card
Price and insurance coverage
The price of face and ENT MRI depends on the region studied (sinuses, nasopharynx, parotid gland or tongue) and on the gadolinium injection, which is common for a mass.
The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. You submit the coverage request to your insurer or fund yourself. For AtlantaSanad and Sanlam, the center takes care of it.
No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Will my dental appliance interfere with the exam?
Removable dentures are taken out. Fixed orthodontic braces, brackets or certain crowns are not dangerous, but they can create a blurred area on images of the mouth and tongue. Tell us about them: the radiologist adapts the sequences and takes them into account.
Why should I not swallow during the sequences?
Swallowing moves the tongue, the pharynx and the larynx. This movement, even a brief one, blurs the images. Breathe calmly through your nose, swallow between sequences and let the team know if the urge becomes pressing: the series can be restarted.
MRI or CT scan for the sinuses?
CT is the usual exam for the sinuses, because it shows bone and air well. MRI is requested when it is necessary to distinguish simple fluid retention from a tissue lesion, or to study the spread of a tumor. The two exams are often complementary.
Why an MRI for a lump in the parotid gland?
Ultrasound is often the first exam. MRI clarifies the probable nature of the lesion, its extent within the gland and its relationship with the facial nerve that runs through it. This information helps the surgeon plan any operation.
Face and ENT MRI in Casablanca: how much does it cost?
The price of face and ENT MRI depends on the region studied (sinuses, nasopharynx, parotid gland or tongue) and on the gadolinium injection, which is common for a mass. The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.