MRI scans use radio waves and strong magnets instead of x-rays to make detailed pictures. They can be used to look at the urinary system or to look for signs that the cancer has spread outside of the bladder into nearby tissues or lymph nodes.
For some scans, a contrast material (dye) may be put into your vein to help show some structures better.
MRI scans take longer than CT scans–often up to an hour. Also, for most MRI scans you will be inside a tight tube-like machine. This can upset people with fear of enclosed spaces. Newer, more open MRI machines can sometimes be used instead.