J Korean Med Assoc.  2010 Jul;53(7):562-568. 10.5124/jkma.2010.53.7.562.

Imaging Diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer

• Kim AY

• KMID: 2188330
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2010.53.7.562

Abstract

Recently, treatment strategy of rectal cancer has undergone a dramatic change. Application of total mesorectal excision and preoperative chemoradiation therapy (PCRT) has become standard procedure for locoregional and locally advanced rectal cancer, respectively. Functional and morphological radiologic evaluation as well as multidisciplinary approach is both essential for planning patient-specific therapy. In other words, the needs for more accurate T-and N-staging and assessment of circumferential resection margin, both before and after PCRT, are increasing rapidly. Although there is no consensus on the role of diagnostic imaging such as endorectal ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in evaluation of rectal cancer patient so far, MRI is emerging as an essential imaging modality with superior trssue contrast and multiplanar approach.

Keyword

Rectal cancer; Magnetic resonance imaging; CT; Endorectal US

MeSH Terms

Colorectal Neoplasms
Consensus
Diagnostic Imaging
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Rectal Neoplasms

Figure

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  Figure 1 Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of rectal cancer. Arrows indicate the mesorectal fascia.

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  Figure 2 Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of rectal cancer. Arrow indicates positive circumferential resection margin by T3 rectal cancer.

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  Figure 3 Diffusion-weighted imaging of rectal cancer. Viable cancer shows high signal intensity on diffusion-weighted image of rectal MRI.

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