J Korean Soc Radiol.  2017 Aug;77(2):67-84. 10.3348/jksr.2017.77.2.67.

MR Imaging for Staging of Cervical Carcinoma: Update

• Yoon SK
• Kim DW

• KMID: 2386742
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/jksr.2017.77.2.67

Abstract

Uterine cervical cancer is globally the third most common cancer among women, and shows high mortality with invasive cervical carcinoma. Early detection of the disease, its correct staging, and treatment are therefore of great importance. The staging system updated in 2009 by the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), is commonly used for planning the treatment. However, there are significant inaccuracies in the FIGO staging system. Accurate tumor staging is very important to decide the treatment strategy. Although not included in the staging system, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is a valuable tool for local staging of the disease, and is useful in assessing the spread of the tumor and metastatic lymph nodes, thereby becoming a more accurate substitute for clinical staging of cervical carcinoma. In addition, it is capable of assessing the disease response to surgery or chemoradiation. This review briefly describes the role of MR imaging and the basic MR scanning protocol in evaluating cervical carcinoma. The MR findings with staging, and MR evaluation of treatment response, are further addressed.

MeSH Terms

Cervix Uteri
Female
Gynecology
Humans
Lymph Nodes
Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
Mortality
Neoplasm Staging
Obstetrics
Uterine Cervical Neoplasms
Uterine Neoplasms