Thursday, December 30, 2010

Cervical Carcinoma-MRI



MR Imaging of 46 Year old female with carcinoma cervix- T2 FS sagittal and axial images showing well defined homogeneously hyperintense mass lesion in the region of   cervix involving the lower segment of uterus and the upper third of the vagina and mild parametrial extension. The pelvic side walls are clear. No pelvic lymphadenopathy.

Discussion:
Cervical carcinoma is the third most common malignancy in woman and is seen in fourth to fifth decade. It often causes serious consequences and common cause of death is uremia in this condition due to involvement of the ureters. 

The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging system provides worldwide epidemiologic and treatment response statistics. MR imaging is not included in the system, however it is widely accepted modality for evaluation of cervical cancer.....

What all can MRI do with cervical cancer.........
  • Can quantify the volume of the tumor especially in the early stages.
  • Metastatic lymphnode evaluation.
  • Obviates the use of invasive procedures like cystoscopy and proctoscopy.
  • Brachytherapy and external beam radiation therapy can be optimised with the MR imaging.
  • Detect and confirm invasion of the adjacent organs.
  • Identify fistulous tracts if any.
For more information on the MR imaging of the cervical carcinoma go through this wonderful article in the Radiographics by Viviane Nicolet et al. http://radiographics.rsna.org/content/20/6/1539.full

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