Sallyb,

I would say yes, lesions on the spinal column would be able to be seen if large enough and that is what they're looking for. Again, the use of doing and MRI without contrast and then doing it with contrast will show any active lesions by lighting up like a star on the black backgroun.

Radiologist are the ones who review the films initially. They are under pressure to see so many films a day and therefore only tend to look for what was on the MRI order. Why do you think so many women have missed breast lesions. I think it's because the radiologist is moving too fast and tends to miss what isn't obvious. I had this happen to my wife.